Yerlikaya announces: Investigation launched into Yüksekova Municipality over stray animals
It has been reported that an investigation has been launched into the Yüksekova Municipality in Hakkari on the grounds that it failed to collect stray animals. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya noted that the investigation was opened against the municipality following the death of 12-year-old Eslem, who was killed by dogs.
12punto
Minister Yerlikaya made statements regarding an incident that occurred in the Yüksekova district of Hakkari on January 18, 2025. Yerlikaya announced that permission has been granted to investigate the DEM Party Yüksekova Mayor, the Deputy Mayor, Municipal Council members, and the Director of Veterinary Affairs following the death of 12-year-old Eslem, who lost her life after being attacked by stray dogs in an empty lot.
The report prepared by the Civil Inspector stated that the Yüksekova Municipality did not fully comply with the relevant articles of the Animal Protection Law. According to the report, it was noted that the municipality failed to fulfill its obligation to establish an animal shelter and did not fully allocate the resources required from the budget. Furthermore, it was stated that regulations regarding stray animals were not updated and, consequently, necessary measures were not taken.
MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS TO BE INVESTIGATED
The inspector's report emphasized that in the 5-month period prior to the incident, citizens had filed 5 applications to CIMER and 4 neighborhood heads (muhtars) had applied to the municipality to take measures regarding stray dogs, but no necessary steps were taken. Following the report, Yerlikaya announced that permission for an investigation had been granted against the Yüksekova Mayor, the Deputy Mayor, Municipal Council members, and the Director of Veterinary Affairs.
In his statement, Yerlikaya used the following expressions:
''Following this painful incident that happened to our daughter Eslem, we immediately assigned a Civil Inspector. In the report prepared as a result of the preliminary examination, it was determined that the Yüksekova Municipality did not act in accordance with the Animal Protection Law No. 5199. I wish God's mercy upon our daughter Eslem and offer my condolences to her family. We will regularly inform the public about developments.''