Dead dogs and cats found: Animal rights activists alarmed
Istanbul - A few weeks after the adoption of new rules on the treatment of street animals in Turkey, animal rights activists are sounding the alarm over animals found dead.
The organization Haytap, for example, shared videos online showing dead dogs and cats wrapped in garbage bags, apparently including puppies and kittens.
According to the organization's accusation, some of the animals were thrown into garbage containers at a facility for street animals in the western Turkish municipality of Gebze while still alive.
The state-affiliated news agency DHA wrote of 30 dogs, 14 cats and a crow. The background is still unclear.
The case is causing a stir, especially in light of a recent change in the law: In July, the Turkish parliament had passed rules allowing the killing of street dogs in certain cases.
Local authorities are now obliged to catch street dogs and place them in animal shelters.
Animal rights activists protest against mass killing
If possible, they should be placed with owners. Dogs that are classified as sick or aggressive or pose a "danger to human or animal health" can be put down.
Veterinarians are to decide on this. Animal rights activists protested massively against the plan because they fear a mass cull.
The governor's administration of the affected province of Kocaeli announced that it would launch an investigation into the incident in Gebze.
Haytap also announced that it was taking legal action.