Ankara Mayor: Animal Sale at Pet Shops Must Be Banned

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Ankara Mayor Mustafa Tuna, who replaced former mayor Melih Gökçek that was forced to resign by President and Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has stated that he doesn’t see animals as commodity, animal sale at pet shops must be prohibited and that he will discuss this matter with the respective ministries.

Speaking at the meeting where 2018 Financial Year Budget of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality was discussed, Tuna said that a permanent solution should be found for the problems of animal streets.

Tuna’s statements concerning the animal rights are as follows:

“They say that gathering animals at one place is unfavorable. They say that incarcerating animals is not appropriate and they must be free. Our citizens feel uneasy about street animals.

“That’s all true. We are aware of the importance of the animal rights. They are living beings; they have to continue their lives healthfully.

“Animal sale at pet shops should be regulated through law. I don’t approve animal sale like they are commodity. It is inhumane. An animal is not a commodity, is not something like a pencil, book, shoe”.

Serval cat has been exhibited in Ankara

Animals have been exhibited in cages called “Adrenaline World” in a shopping mall called Nata Vega Outlet in Ankara.

A petition was launched on change.org for Serval to be freed after the news report on Anadolu Kedisi (Anatolian Cat) has spread. (EKN/TK)