Statement from Ümraniye Municipality regarding scandalous footage at the shelter: Unauthorized recording was made

Following the animal massacre at the Gebze Municipality shelter, similar images of negligence have emerged at the Ümraniye Hekimbaşı Shelter. Animal rights activists encountered dead cats at the facility and reported that the surviving animals were in poor health and were being fed expired food. Ümraniye Municipality announced that unauthorized recordings were made regarding the incident and that legal action would be initiated.

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Statement from Ümraniye Municipality regarding scandalous footage at the shelter: Unauthorized recording was made

Following the animal massacre at the Gebze Municipality Stray Animals Temporary Care and Rehabilitation Center, similar images have emerged at the Ümraniye Municipality facility. Animal rights activists who went to the Ümraniye Hekimbaşı Shelter encountered a large number of dead cats.

While it was stated that the surviving cats were in poor health, it was also revealed that the animals at the shelter were being fed expired food.

Police teams arrived at the scene. Municipal police (zabıta) attempted to remove the animal rights activists from the shelter. The activists stated that they would not leave until a lawyer arrived.

STATEMENT FROM THE MUNICIPALITY

Ümraniye Municipality stated that the footage of animals under treatment at the Hekimbaşı Stray Animal Care Center was recorded without authorization and created a false impression, adding that legal action would be initiated against the individuals involved.

In the statement made by the municipality, it was noted that the care center is open to visitors during specific hours, 6 days a week, and that adoption efforts continue during these times.

The statement noted that a group arriving at the center recorded footage of animals under treatment without authorization, ignoring the veterinarian's attempts to inform them, which led to a false impression. It included the following: "These images were taken out of context and shared on social media to create a perception that the animals are neglected, but this information is completely false. Our animals currently receiving treatment at our care center were brought in from the streets injured and sick, and their recovery processes are continuing under the supervision of our veterinarians. The care and health of our animals are maintained at the highest standards."

Pointing out that the animal burial area, which is surrounded by a wire fence, was dug up and filmed without authorization, the statement added:

"This was also reflected on social media with a different intent. Such actions are attempts to distort the true situation. Our Hekimbaşı Stray Animal Care Center continues to meticulously carry out the rehabilitation processes for stray animals in cooperation with animal lovers and relevant associations at all times. Legal action will be initiated against those who entered our center without authorization. We ask you to be sensitive against misinformation and want to emphasize that we always work with great care for the well-being of our animals."