Court Orders Compensation in Manisa Stray Dog Incident
Manisa, March 27 – A court in Manisa has ordered the Manisa Metropolitan Municipality, Yunusemre Municipality, and the Nature Conservation Directorate to collectively pay 10,252,074 TL in compensation to a child who was severely injured after being hit by a car while fleeing a stray dog. The incident occurred on October 24, 2022, in the Cumhuriyet neighborhood of Yunusemre district.
The victim, identified as E.K., an elementary school student, was leaving his home to buy bread when he was attacked by a stray dog. While attempting to escape the dog, the child was struck by a passing truck, sustaining severe injuries. The incident was captured by security cameras of a nearby business.
Child Fought for Life for 58 Days
E.K. was rushed to the hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit, where he fought for his life for 58 days. Although he is now out of critical danger, doctors have confirmed that he has suffered permanent damage affecting his ability to walk, speak, and use his limbs. His father, Yücel Kılınç, a street vendor, stated that his son is still undergoing treatment, which is expected to be prolonged.
Following the incident, the family filed a lawsuit. The Manisa 2nd Administrative Court ruled that both the Manisa Metropolitan Municipality and Yunusemre Municipality failed to take necessary precautions for the control and supervision of stray animals. The court emphasized that the administration is responsible for continuously monitoring its services and taking appropriate measures, thus holding it accountable for the damages incurred.
Over 10 Million TL in Compensation Awarded
The court awarded E.K. 250,000 TL in moral damages and 6,808,663 TL in material damages. With accrued interest, the total compensation amount to be paid by the municipalities and the Nature Conservation Directorate stands at 10,252,074 TL. Yücel Kılınç expressed his frustration over the four-year duration of the legal process, stating that due to financial constraints, they were unable to provide his son with the full extent of treatment he needed.
Father Speaks Out: “My Child Has as Much Right to Live as That Animal”
Kılınç highlighted the significant danger posed by stray animals, referencing recent news reports of similar attacks. “May God not let anyone experience this, but these stray animals truly pose a great danger,” he said. “I watched the news recently; a tiny child was torn apart. Measures absolutely must be taken against this as soon as possible. You should protect your children. We experienced such a situation because, after all, this animal is alive. It has no mouth or tongue. An unfortunate incident happened to us. I believe my child has as much right to live as that animal has to live on the street.”
He acknowledged the strong reactions from animal lovers but suggested that their perspectives might differ if they had experienced such an incident. “We are not saying animals should be slaughtered. After all, they are living beings given by God. My child is about to turn 11. My child is still receiving treatment. Was my child at fault in this?” Kılınç added that he learned about the court’s decision, which came after four years, through his lawyer.
This ruling underscores the legal responsibilities of local authorities in managing stray animal populations and ensuring public safety, particularly for vulnerable citizens like children.
