Mules slated for euthanization escape to Iran

A Hakkari court ruled for the euthanization of 97 mules seized during a smuggling operation on the border last November on the grounds that the mules "threatened human and animal health," but were informed that the mules had escaped to Iran on Jan. 7, after heavy snowfall destroyed the tent they were being held in.

Turkey's ground forces determined smugglers were crossing the Turkey-Iran border near the Onba??lar village in the Yüksekova district of Turkey's southeastern Hakkari province on Nov. 9. 2014.  A group of nine Iranians was caught smuggling 97 mules and 160 cans of diesel fuel, which were confiscated by the ground forces.

The mules were handed over to a trustee, Perviz Be?er, who is the headman of a nearby village.
A Hakkari court ruled for the euthanization of the mules on the grounds they could hold health risks to both humans and other animals.

"Animals ? whose origins are not identified and who do not carry the biologic properties present in our country are deemed to be immediately destroyed and exterminated without getting into the smuggling ring, as they contain a risk to human and animal health. Animal sicknesses of exotic character entering our country through this route may cause severe loss if spread to other animals," read a part of the court's decision.

The court's decision was conveyed to the district's agricultural management and customs management for the extermination of the animals, but the tent where the 97 mules had been kept collapsed on Jan. 7 due to heavy snowfall during a blizzard.

Be?er said the mules had been in his care as trustee for 60 days before they escaped from the tent and passed to the Iranian side of the border. They had tried to pursue the animals, but turned back...