Animal Abuse In Kütahya Municipal Shelter

Since the amendments to animal welfare law 5199 were passed in August 2024, there have been numerous instances of abuse against innocent animals.

I am documenting as many as I can, and today I am focusing on the atrocities that occurred in Kütahya in March 2025.

March 5th 2025

A group of young women gathered outside the municipality in Kütahya, visibly shaken and crying.

One of them explained that they had visited the Kütahya shelter and uncovered disturbing facts.

There were no pitbulls there; they were told that all the pitbulls had been killed in accordance with the law. However, the law states that only dogs who are aggressive, have incurable diseases, or zoonotic diseases can be killed.

Whistle blowers have informed us that shelters are being instructed to kill all pitbulls because they are considered inherently aggressive. This is a disgraceful attitude from people lacking knowledge and education.

The girls mentioned that other dogs, which were docile, friendly, and healthy, and whom they knew well, had been taken there. These dogs were no longer at the shelter either.

Even though the young girls were clearly distressed by the circumstances, individuals from groups that target and promote the eradication of stray animals mocked the girls and rejoiced over the demise of these defenceless creatures.

17th March 2025

Leaked drone footage from Kütahya shelter reveals concerning activities involving a white van parked outside the kennels.

The footage shows one operative removing a live dog from the back of the van and leading it into the kennels, while another operative appears with a wheelbarrow to remove two deceased dogs from the same vehicle.

It is evident that these dogs had been traveling together, likely collected along the same route.

The presence of both living and dead animals in the same space raises serious concerns about the handling and transportation protocols being followed.

Such practices of housing the deceased with the living are inappropriate and highlight the need for immediate attention to ensure the welfare and dignity of all animals involved.

March 18th 2025

Animal advocate Mr. Ibrahim Kaya visited the Kütahya shelter and reported concerning conditions.

He observed that the animals were covered in filth, crammed into spaces too small for them, and had no access to food or water.

Mr. Kaya confirmed that 45 dogs were killed, including some pit bulls.

When he asked the veterinarian why the dogs were killed he was told that it was a commission decision. He is not given further details.

Despite the intentions behind the animal welfare law, the incidents in Kütahya highlight the challenges in bridging the gap between legislation and practical enforcement.

It is imperative for authorities to take robust measures to ensure that the law's objectives are realized and that animals receive the protection they need.

Documenting these cases emphasizes the ongoing effort required to improve animal welfare in the area & stop this needless slaughter of innocent animals who have been let down so badly.