Mass grave of poisoned animals found in İzmir

Animal rights activists uncovered a mass grave for cats and dogs poisoned before they were dumped in the site in the western city of İzmir.

Acting on a tip-off that unknown suspects were bringing animal carcasses in black bags to a landfill in Seferihisar, activists visited the location yesterday with bulldozers and upon excavation, found dozens of carcasses. Activists claimed the animals were poisoned, possibly by those opposing the presence of stray dogs and cats in their neighborhoods.

Muhammet Emin Aksel, an animal rights activist, said they were aware of the sudden disappearance of dogs and cats in the district and heard about animals being buried in the site. "We complained to the authorities and they helped us to locate the place. They told us the animals were poisoned. If they are accidentally poisoned, they should not be buried haphazardly. We found that they were just dumped there and were not buried properly. If they are poisoned, this would also affect the public as they are buried in a place near a water source," he said.

Police and public health officials launched an investigation into the incident.