Sentence handed down to defendant who poured acid on stray cats

The trial of defendant Murat Özdemir, who harmed stray cats in Eyüpsultan last year by pouring acid on them, has concluded. While the defendant, Murat Özdemir, who was tried without arrest, did not attend the hearing at the Istanbul 60th Criminal Court of First Instance, lawyers from the Istanbul Bar Association Animal Rights Center and a lawyer for the Eyüpsultan District Governorship were present. As the defendant, Murat Özdemir, and his lawyer could not attend the hearing, their defense statements were not taken. The plaintiff's lawyer, who made a statement, requested that the defendant be punished.

SENTENCED TO 8 YEARS AND 3 MONTHS IN PRISON

The court sentenced defendant Özdemir to 4 years and 6 months in prison for the crime of 'intentionally killing a domestic or pet animal' against more than one animal. The court also ruled that defendant Özdemir be sentenced to a total of 8 years and 3 months in prison, including 3 years and 9 months for the crime of 'torturing or treating a domestic or pet animal in a cruel or merciless manner', again against more than one animal.

News Source: 12punto