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Türkiye's Interior Ministry has moved forward with administrative action involving three district mayors over alleged failures linked to stray animals, including two cases in which children were injured in dog attacks and one case concerning the lack of an animal shelter.
Interior Minister Ciftci granted investigation permission for Republican People's Party (CHP)-affiliated Koycegiz Mayor Ali Erdogan and Justice and Development (AK Party)-affiliated Narman Mayor Aydemir Adem Kinali. The ministry also launched a preliminary review into Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party)-affiliated Hilvan Mayor Serhan Paydas over claims that the municipality had not fulfilled its legal obligation to set up an animal care facility.
According to the ministry's statement, an 11-year-old child was seriously injured after being attacked by stray dogs in Koycegiz, a district in Mugla province. The ministry also stated that 37 people had received treatment in the district over the past two years because of dog attacks.
A separate incident was reported in Narman, a district in Erzurum province, where 10-year-old Murat Tutar was injured following an attack by stray dogs.
The cases brought municipal responsibilities over stray animals back into focus, particularly the duties of local authorities to collect stray animals and operate adequate care facilities.
Following inspections in Koycegiz, officials found that the municipality's animal care facility did not have enough capacity and that there were shortcomings in the required operating permits. The ministry also assessed that the collection of stray animals had not been carried out effectively and that veterinary services had not been provided in line with regulations.
In Narman, the ministry concluded that the municipality had failed to collect stray animals in its area of responsibility for an extended period, which it linked to the attack. It also found that the municipality had not carried out its legal obligations.
On that basis, investigation permission was granted for Koycegiz Mayor Ali Erdogan and Narman Mayor Aydemir Adem Kinali.
For international readers, investigation permission refers to an official authorization allowing an inquiry into public officials to move ahead.
The ministry also examined claims concerning Hilvan, a district in Sanliurfa province, under Law No. 5199 on the Protection of Animals.
According to the findings cited by the ministry, the municipality had not allocated the required budget for an animal care facility and had not taken any steps toward building a shelter.
As a result, a preliminary review was launched into Hilvan Mayor Serhan Paydas.
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