Seeking Accountability in the Shooting of a Stray Dog in Antalya
In late April 2025, a deeply troubling event took place in Antalya’s Muratpaşa district: an 83-year-old retired police officer, identified as Mr. M.K., fired his handgun at a stray dog named Lady, who had been living in the neighbourhood and cared for by a local business for around 12 years.
On 24 April, Lady was hit twice, rushed to a veterinary clinic, and tragically pronounced dead. Legal proceedings began on 5 November 2025 at the Antalya 25th Asliye Ceza Mahkemesi, where the defendant now faces up to four years in prison for the killing.
At Dog Desk Animal Action, we believe justice for Lady must go beyond punishment. It must affirm that the lives of street dogs have value, that fear does not excuse cruelty, and that the rule of law protects the voiceless as firmly as it protects the powerful.
The Incident in Summary
Lady had lived peacefully in her neighbourhood for roughly 12 years, fed and sheltered by a local business.
On the day of the incident, the 83-year-old man allegedly claimed the dog attacked him. He drew his firearm and shot Lady twice.
Witnesses recorded the incident, and evidence was collected from the scene.
The community reacted with outrage, stressing that Lady was well-known, calm, and not aggressive.
Why Justice for Lady Matters
Justice Is About More Than Punishment
True justice requires not only that the person responsible be held accountable, but that society recognises the value of every life lost through cruelty. Lady’s death represents countless stray dogs who live peacefully among us yet remain unprotected.When Fear Becomes Violence
Fear cannot justify killing. Even if a dog’s behaviour causes alarm, there are lawful, humane ways to respond. Resorting to a gun is never the answer. Justice for Lady means acknowledging that the use of lethal force against animals must not be normalised or excused.The Rule of Law and the Role of the Public
The trial now underway is a test of Turkey’s commitment to enforcing animal-welfare laws. It is vital that this case be handled transparently, with a sentence that reflects the gravity of taking an innocent life. Justice must also be visible showing citizens that cruelty has consequences.Honouring the Community’s Compassion
The neighbourhood that cared for Lady demonstrates that coexistence is possible. Those residents model what compassionate citizenship looks like. Their grief and determination for justice deserve to be heard as part of this process.
Our Call to Action
Dog Desk Animal Action calls for:
Fair and firm legal proceedings ensuring accountability for Lady’s death.
National awareness campaigns about non-violent responses to stray-dog encounters.
Investment in humane stray-dog management, including neutering and education programmes.
Respect for community carers who protect and feed strays, these individuals should be supported, not discouraged.
Justice for One, Safety for All
Justice for Lady is not only about retribution it is about creating a society where such acts never happen again. A just outcome in this case would send a powerful message that cruelty, fear, and violence against animals have no place in a civilised nation.
Lady’s life mattered. Her years of quiet companionship in her neighbourhood mattered. And how we respond to her death will define our moral character as a community.
Let justice for Lady stand as a turning point toward empathy, accountability, and peace on our streets.