Dozens Of Stray Dogs Allegedly Died From Poisoning, Turkish Gendermarie Holds Investigation

JAKARTA - A group of dogs were found fighting for their lives in an empty lot in the western province of Manisa two weeks ago. Allegedly, the dogs were poisoned.

Gendarmarie officers and veterinarians were called to the scene in Salihli District by local residents. A total of 13 dogs were found dead at that location.

Meanwhile, nine others who fainted were taken to the hospital. Later, four of the dogs died from poisoning. Others are still being treated at the municipal animal hospital.

Birol Avcı, head of the veterinary department of Salihli municipality said they rushed to the scene, finding some of the animals already dead from poisoning. However, they can put others through an "intense treatment process."

Launching the Daily Sabah on April 19, the Gendarmerie troops launched an investigation to find the perpetrator or perpetrators who fed the animal poison.

Poisoning of wild animals is common in Turkey with dogs being a particular target. In most cases, the culprits are people who are annoyed by the barking of dogs or their attacks on livestock or other animals.

In the past, most poisoners escaped the law. However, a new law adopted last year for poisoning perpetrators faces bigger fines. And, in more severe cases such as mass murder, it carries a prison sentence.

Stray dogs are also facing more opposition today, due to their attack, which recently resulted in the death of a young girl who was hit by a car while she was fleeing a pack of violent dogs in southern Turkey.

Following the attack, social media was flooded with messages calling for authorities to take strong action against aggressive dogs. From their sterilization and collection from the streets to be taken to permanent animal shelters, to messages calling for mass killings.