Ankara, Turkey – An investigation has been initiated by the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality following allegations that a 15-year-old stray dog named ‘Matmazel’ was beaten by municipal officers at the Demetevler Metro Station. The incident, which has sparked public outcry, reportedly occurred the day before yesterday in the Yenimahalle district.
Allegations of Brutality and Subsequent Death
According to reports from DHA, ‘Matmazel’ sought shelter from the cold at the metro station. Animal lovers claim the dog was beaten by municipal officers and trapped in an escalator. Despite being taken to a veterinary clinic by concerned citizens, the dog could not be saved.
Investigation and Suspensions
Upon receiving reports from animal lovers, the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality immediately launched an investigation. As part of the inquiry, security camera footage from the metro station is being reviewed, and communication has been established with the veterinary clinic that treated the dog and with the animal lovers involved. The municipal officers allegedly involved in the beating have been temporarily suspended from their duties pending the outcome of the investigation.
Exhumation and Forensic Examination
To determine the exact cause of death, ‘Matmazel’ was exhumed from where she was buried and transported to Ankara University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine for a comprehensive examination by an independent and expert institution. Officials from the university have informed Ankara Bar Association lawyers, who are also involved in the process, that the examination could take approximately 15 days. The Ankara Metropolitan Municipality has officially requested that this period be shortened and that the examination be prioritized.
Legal Action Initiated
Since the dog was not registered to any citizen, a formal request has been sent to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to initiate legal proceedings under Article 28/A of the Animal Protection Law No. 5199. The Ministry has confirmed that action has been initiated.
Statement from EGO General Directorate
The EGO General Directorate issued a written statement regarding the investigation, confirming the allegations of a dog being beaten by municipal officers at the Demetevler Metro Station. The statement highlighted that the first notification was received on January 3, 2026, through the 153 Call Center, prompting an immediate inspection process by the EGO General Directorate. All relevant camera footage has been secured, and detailed information has been obtained from the veterinarian and animal lovers. The statement also emphasized the municipality’s commitment to transparency and ensuring no unanswered questions remain in the public’s mind.
This incident follows recent discussions and decisions regarding stray animals in Ankara. The Ankara Provincial Animal Protection Board recently decided to prioritize the collection of stray animals from areas with high complaint rates and attack incidents. Furthermore, the board emphasized the strict enforcement of penalties for individuals abandoning stray dogs, with a fine of 71,695 Turkish Liras for 2025. The registration of all stray animals taken into shelters in a central database was also mandated. These measures aim to protect animal rights, reduce the risk of infectious diseases, and safeguard public health. The board also noted that euthanasia would be applied to animals posing a threat to human or animal health, those with incurable diseases, or those whose adoption is prohibited. [haberturk.com](https://www.haberturk.com/ankarada-sahipsiz-hayvanlar-icin-kararlar-alindi-3770549)
In a separate incident, a doctor was arrested in Ankara for allegedly dismembering and killing stray dogs he adopted. The individual, Muhammet Mustafa Duman, is accused of killing 26 dogs, claiming they escaped through an open window. However, security footage showed him leaving his home with heavy bags and cleaning supplies. [hurriyet.com.tr](https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/ankarada-kan-donduran-vahset-sahiplendigi-kopekleri-evde-parcalayip-olduren-doktor-tutuklandi-42783333)
Separately, a court in Ankara acquitted two municipal officials in a case concerning a child injured by stray dogs, ruling insufficient evidence to prove their negligence. [milliyet.com.tr](https://www.milliyet.com.tr/yerel-haberler/ankara/ankarada-sahipsiz-kopeklerin-saldirisina-ugray-7360795)
Source: Demirören News Agency, EGO General Directorate, Ankara Metropolitan Municipality
