Investigation launched into employees who acted carelessly while collecting stray dogs: 'Disregarding animal welfare'

In a statement issued by the Düzce Governor's Office, it was stated: "A statement has become necessary following the appearance of certain footage on various platforms regarding the collection of stray animals in Duraklar village, located in the center of our province, on Monday, July 14, 2025.

In order to eliminate the problems that may be caused by stray animals, which have been on our country's agenda recently, work is being carried out by responsible public administrators in accordance with the provisions of the Animal Protection Law No. 5199 and the Implementing Regulation on the Protection of Animals.

In the incident in question, work was carried out by the Provincial Special Administration teams in Duraklar village on July 14, 2025, following intense reports and complaints made by the Village Headman and our citizens on the grounds that they posed a danger to employees and children in the Organized Industrial Zone (OSB) located in the region. The unacceptable behavior displayed by some of the personnel tasked with collecting stray animals in the aforementioned footage, which disregarded animal welfare, has been met with regret.

An investigation has been launched into the personnel who displayed careless behavior during the collection activity carried out by the relevant administration in accordance with Law No. 5199 and the Implementing Regulation, and they have been suspended from duty. In accordance with the provisions of the legislation, stray animals in the responsibility zones of the relevant administration are collected by the administrations and taken to animal shelters and natural habitats to ensure they are housed in appropriate conditions, and their care is provided.

It has been understood that there were no negative findings in the health checks of the stray animals that were collected and transferred to the shelter in the aforementioned incident. Our responsible public administrations will continue their work in accordance with legal provisions to ensure the continuation of public order, the well-being of our citizens, and to prevent problems arising from stray animals," the statement said.

News Source : İHA