Sub-Governorship Files Criminal Complaint About Horses Killed in Princes’ Islands

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Adalar Sub-Governorship has announced that they will appeal to the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and file a criminal complaint against the owners of the horses that were killed due to a glanders outbreak that hit the Princes' Islands of İstanbul. The Sub-Governosrhip has filed a criminal complaint against 64 people who owned 105 horses.

Diagnosed with glanders in Büyükada, one of the Princes' Islands, 81 horses were killed. Afterwards, the Local Environment Board has decided to suspend horse carriage for a period of three months in the islands.

Animal rights defenders have also set up tents in Saraçhane Park across the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality and started protesting for an end to horse carriages. İstanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has announced that electro mobility will be adopted in the islands as of summer months.

'Life vigil' across İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality

* Photo: AA

As reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA), animal rights defenders continue protesting across the Metropolitan Municipality of İstanbul.

Opening banners that read "İmamoğlu, keep your promise" and "Neither nostalgia, nor symbols are more valuable than the freedom of any species", animal rights defenders have once again called for a complete end to horse-driven carriages (phaetons) in the islands.

* Photo: AA

Speaking on behalf of the Animal Freedom Activists, Ezgi Dilara Akdağ has underlined that as their request for a complete removal of horse carriages and the rehabilitation of horses have been left unfulfilled by İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality, they still continue their "life vigil."

Referring to the remarks of İmamoğlu, who said yesterday (December 23) that 35 horse-driven carriages will be left in the islands as a symbolic gesture, Akdağ has said, "35 phaetons mean that the exploitation of at least 140 horses will continue." Reminding the reporters that İmamoğlu will announce their final decision about the issue after having a meeting with the Governorship of İstanbul tomorrow, Akdağ has reiterated their requests for an complete ban on horse-driven carriages.

* Photo: AA

Akdağ has also raised concerns over the condition of horses in the wake of three-month suspension of horse carriages. Indicating that the horses have been kept in barns following decision, she has emphasized that the conditions of these barns might be health-compromising for the horses. The barns are not inspected, either, according to Akdağ.

(AÖ/SD)