April 24th 2025
The Hamitler shelter in Bursa, overseen by the Osmangazi municipality, has become a focal point of concern due to reports of severe mistreatment of animals under its care as of May 2025. But, this isn’t the first time there have been concerns regarding the treatment of stray animals under its care.
Alarming allegations were made against them in April when the remains of cats and dogs, covered in blood, were discovered sealed in bags and disposed of at the local dump. It was said that they came from Hamitler shelter.
This sparked outrage and demands for a thorough investigation into the shelter's practices and accountability for those responsible.
The community is called for immediate action to ensure the safety and humane treatment of animals housed at the facility.
January 28th 2025
In January of 2025, Afyonkarahisar became the focus of an animal welfare scandal.
Deceased animals were discovered in black bags at a dump site.
Unfortunately, stray dogs and cats often succumb to old age, disease, and injuries on the streets & need to be collected. They also pass away in shelters and veterinary clinics.
It is crucial to dispose of these animals in a way that does not threaten public health.
Every mayor I know ensures there is a designated burial pit for this purpose. But, it is not unheard of to see deceased animals thrown unceremoniously on to the trash in dumps.
April 24th 2025
Animal advocates were shocked to discover that the animals, identifiable by their tags, originated from Ozmangazi, and the incident sparked significant outrage among the public.
The community's response was strong and immediate, with many people voicing their concern and demanding accountability for the mistreatment of these creatures.
The situation highlighted the need for stricter regulations and better oversight to ensure the welfare of animals and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Osmangazi Municipality made a statement which accused former & current employees carrying out the massacre.
The statement said
"There is a need to make a statement about the images that are on social media and in the press and publications, which no conscientious person can accept.
First of all, we would like to state that we have been working with great sensitivity to protect animals living on the street and improve their living conditions since the first day we took office in Osmangazi with an understanding that respects the right to life of all living beings.
However, the images in question definitely do not reflect the institutional approach and human values of Osmangazi Municipality.
We act with a zero tolerance policy against such incidents and will carry out all necessary administrative processes with determination.
As Osmangazi Municipality, we signed a protocol with Bursa Uludağ University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Bursa Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons in order to ensure that street animals live in a healthy and safe environment.
We continue to implement projects that protect the right to life of our dear friends in cooperation with our citizens.
We continue our neutering, vaccination and adoption activities meticulously.
We continue our detailed investigations regarding the allegations. According to our initial findings, it is understood that the personnel whose employment contract was recently terminated carried out such an action in order to tarnish our institution by acting in an organized manner with the employees inside.
Once the detailed examination and investigation is completed, the issue will be followed up legally by our institution's lawyers.
It is not possible to accept these images that hurt the public's conscience. It is respectfully announced to the public."