Municipal worker suspended for killing 15-year-old stray dog in Turkey

An investigation has been launched by the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality following allegations that a 15-year-old stray dog named Matmazel was beaten to death by municipal employees at Demetevler Metro Station. 

The employees implicated in the incident have been temporarily suspended from duty pending the outcome of the inquiry.

The incident reportedly occurred two days ago at Demetevler Metro Station in Ankara’s Yenimahalle district. According to claims, the stray dog had taken shelter inside the station to protect itself from the cold when it was allegedly assaulted by municipal personnel and trapped against an escalator. Despite being rushed to a veterinary clinic by animal rights activists, the dog could not be saved.

Following complaints submitted to the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, an official investigation was immediately initiated. Security camera footage from the metro station has been taken under review, and statements have been obtained from both the veterinary clinic where the dog was treated and the animal welfare volunteers involved.

As part of the investigation, Matmazel’s body was exhumed from its burial site and transferred to Ankara University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to determine the exact cause of death. The municipality also confirmed that the personnel accused of involvement in the incident have been temporarily removed from their positions during the investigation.

Official Statement from EGO General Directorate

In a written statement, the EGO General Directorate said that the first report regarding the alleged assault was received by the municipality’s 153 Call Center on 3 January 2026, prompting the immediate launch of an inspection and disciplinary process.

The statement noted that all relevant security camera recordings from the area were examined in detail and securely archived. Authorities also contacted the veterinarian who treated the dog and gathered comprehensive information about the case.

“To ensure full transparency and eliminate any public doubts, the process did not end there,” the statement said. “Animal welfare representatives were contacted again, and it was decided that the 15-year-old dog named Matmazel would be exhumed and subjected to a thorough and independent examination.”

The Ankara Bar Association also became involved in the process, facilitating the transfer of the dog’s remains to Ankara University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to determine whether physical abuse had occurred. University officials reportedly informed bar association lawyers that the examination could take approximately 15 days, though the municipality has formally requested that the process be expedited.

Additionally, since the dog was not registered under any private ownership, the municipality stated that official correspondence was sent to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to initiate legal proceedings. Authorities confirmed that action has been taken under Article 28/A of Law No. 5199 on the Protection of Animals.

The municipality emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure accountability and transparency in the matter.