Individual who kicked a stray cat arrested: 'I was angry, I regret it'
In Samsun, 29-year-old Doğan Gezlese, who severely injured a stray cat by kicking it, has been arrested following the public outcry over footage shared on social media.
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In the İlkadım district of Samsun, 29-year-old Doğan Gezlese, who was detained after footage of him brutally kicking a defenseless stray cat while walking on the sidewalk sparked outrage on social media, has been arrested by the court and sent to prison. Speaking to members of the press who were filming him at the courthouse entrance, the suspect said, "I was angry, brother, I regret it."
HE KICKED THE CAT INTO THE AIR AND CONTINUED ON HIS WAY
The blood-curdling incident took place in the İlkadım district, one of the busiest areas of Samsun:
Doğan Gezlese, who suddenly and violently kicked a cat that was standing on the sidewalk, caused the animal to fly about 1 meter into the air in pain.
While the cat fell to the ground and fled the scene in fear, citizens on the street immediately reacted sharply to the attacker. The suspect, who had a brief argument with those around him, continued on his way as if nothing had happened.
SOCIAL MEDIA ERUPTED, POLICE TOOK ACTION
Following the sharing of mobile phone and security camera footage of the incident on social media platforms, thousands of users reacted to the situation and called for justice to be served.
Treating the footage as a report, teams from the Samsun Provincial Police Department identified the suspect in a short time and detained him at his residence. It was reported that investigations revealed the suspect had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and a 40% disability report.
COURT DID NOT SHOW LENIENCY: SENT DIRECTLY TO PRISON
After his interrogation and legal procedures at the police station were completed, Doğan Gezlese was referred to the Samsun Courthouse under heavy security measures.
The suspect, who was brought before the on-duty criminal judgeship of peace, was arrested and sent to prison due to his brutal act, which falls under the Animal Protection Law and caused public outrage. Environmental organizations and animal rights advocates announced that they would be following the case.