A BRITISH man in Bodrum who apparently killed his dog by striking its head repeatedly, claiming that it was “old and would die soon anyway,” has been released after questioning, the Hurriyet Daily News reported Monday.
The 48-year-old man, identified only as B.C., killed his dog “Kol” in the street as witnesses attempted to stop him. B.C. also allegedly attacked those who attempted to prevent him.
When a vet came to the scene, the dog was already dead. Police were called and detained B.C., releasing him after issuing a 200-Turkish Lira fine for a legal misdemeanor.
Animal activists have demanded an amendment to the law, lamenting that the criminal code does not include punishments for the killing or torturing of animals. Such crimes are only punished as part of the law on misdemeanors and do not necessitate jail time.
The Dogan News Agency said B.C. had settled in Bodrum 20 years ago and acquired the German Shpherd 12 years ago.
“I love dogs. I loved Kol, too, but it was old and sick and was going to die anyway. It dies of old age or this way, what’s the difference? Many people die every day and nobody reacts to that,” he said.
Mustafa Yılmaz, an artisan at a yacht building, said B.C. had worked in a yacht building jobs for several years and that they knew him as a good man who loves dogs.
“We were shocked to see him killing his dog this way. We attempted to save the wounded dog but he attacked us,” said Yılmaz, the Hurriyet reported.
Bodrum Animal Rights Association head Füsun Uslu complained that the man “will be free despite his cruelty because of the inaction of the Parliament in enforcing stricter punishments for violence against animals.”
In light of the report, the British Embassy issued a statement on its Facebook Page.
It said: “The Embassy has been made aware of reports of an incident involving a British national attacking a dog in Bodrum.
“We appreciate the strength of feeling that this incident has caused. It is the responsibility of the Turkish authorities to take any appropriate action and we note that the individual involved has been fined by the Turkish courts.
“We encourage all British citizens in Turkey to respect local laws and customs and would urge everyone to ensure their actions remain within the law at all times.”