The Turkish Cypriot official responsible for the Environment Fikri Ataoğlu has reacted strongly to the mindless killing of 14 donkeys in Karpaz, emphasizing that such brutality is unacceptable.
Ataoğlu said that the incident was deeply saddening and emphasized that all necessary steps would be taken to bring those responsible to justice.
Recalling that the Karpaz Peninsula is a region known for its freel roaming donkeys, Ataoğlu underlined that these animals are ‘an important part of the cultural and natural heritage of not only the region’.
Stating that various projects have been initiated in order to produce humane and permanent solutions to the problems caused by stray donkeys – such as eating crops – Ataoğlu said a “Donkey Management Project Cooperation Protocol” was signed between the ‘Environmental Protection Department,’ Tashkent Nature Park and Erenköy-Karpaz municipality, with the goal of finding sustainable solutions.
“However, this recent tragic incident necessitates that our efforts be further intensified,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Güzelyurt (Morphou) Animal Protection Association called for the punishment of the perpetrators .
In the statement signed by the Association President Rana Sarro, it was stated that taking a life is always murder, there is no difference between killing a human or an animal, and it was emphasized that this cannot be legitimized and should not go unpunished.
What happened in Karpas today? The background story
Early on Monday, the Cyprus Wildlife Research Institute reported that at least 14 wild donkeys, including a pregnant female, were discovered shot dead on the Karpasia Peninsula on the northern tip of Cyprus.
The animals were found during routine fieldwork by members of the Cyprus Wildlife Research Institute, and preliminary investigations indicate that they were shot at close range.
Reaction online has been swift, with many people in Cyprus expressing horror at the slaughter. Famagusta Gazette reported the story as it broke, you can read our report here.