Mules Not Shot, Jumped Off Cliff, Says Turkish Governor

The governor of Şırnak said a pack of mules allegedly used for smuggling and found dead in the southeastern province were not killed, but rather had jumped off a cliff after being startled by the sound of gunshots, according to a main opposition party deputy who went to the province to investigate the incident.

Melda Onur, who is a deputy for the Republican People's Party (CHP), said Şırnak Governor Ali İshan Su had said the dead mules were not shot but had fallen off a cliff when they heard the sound of gunshots.

Onur went to Şırnak with members of the Animal Rights Federation (HAYTAP) to investigate the deaths of the 25 mules.

"15 mules that were shot in their necks died immediately. The others ran away but the soldiers captured and shot them" said Onur, contrary to what the governor had claimed, adding that HAYTAP veterinarians treated nine of the wounded mules and had found bullet marks.

Onur also said a mule that escaped the incident and became trapped was being refused rescue by soldiers, adding the mule's owner had been bringing it food and water every day so it would not die from starvation.

The Şırnak Governorate issued a statement with regards to the meeting between the governor, Onur and the accompanying group, stating the use of mules for smuggling was against animal rights. - Istanbul