Eros Cat Clinic Opens

Bornova Municipality has relocated its cat clinic, previously operating in Büyükpark, to a larger and more modern center, reopening it under the name “Eros Cat Clinic.” The name honors Eros, the cat brutally killed in Istanbul, who has since become a symbol of justice and love in Turkey. At the new clinic, appointment time restrictions will be lifted, neutering capacity will be doubled, and adoption events will be organized.

The cat clinic, long operated by the Veterinary Services Department of Bornova Municipality in Büyükpark, will now serve in a more spacious and contemporary facility at the intersection of Fevzi Çakmak Street and Gençlik Street. By naming the new clinic after Eros, whose tragic death left a deep wound in the conscience of Turkey, Bornova Municipality aims to keep his memory alive.

Longer hours and expanded services

At the new Eros Cat Clinic, there will no longer be limits on appointment hours, and furry friends will receive care throughout the day. Neutering capacity will be doubled compared to the previous facility, while adoption activities, animal-lover gatherings, and various social events will also be hosted. The center will employ 3 veterinarians, 3 veterinary technicians, and a total of 11 staff members to provide faster, broader, and more professional service.

Mayor Eşki: “Eros’s name will symbolize justice and love”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized the importance of keeping Eros’s name alive:
“Today, we are opening this clinic in Bornova with the name of Eros, who tragically lost his life in Istanbul in a brutal attack. Unfortunately, Eros became one of the most symbolic names of violence against animals. We want his name in Bornova not only to represent a beloved companion but also to stand as a symbol of justice and love. This clinic is more than just a healthcare center; it will be a reminder of compassion for stray animals and our moral responsibility as a society. Treatments will be carried out here, animals will be neutered and adopted, but above all, the love for animals will grow. In Bornova, we want to build a fairer, more compassionate, and more livable life for our animals. Eros’s name will be the symbol of this struggle.”

Deputy Mayor Arıkan: “We must unite for the right to life”

Bornova Deputy Mayor Cem Arıkan, speaking at the opening, said the clinic had been a dream of Mayor Ömer Eşki:
“When Eros was brutally killed, our Mayor’s first statement was about the establishment of such a clinic. Because when the right to life is threatened, not only animal lovers but also nature advocates must come together. As Bornova Municipality, we are carrying out joint efforts with life-right advocates under the umbrella of the City Council. We are not alone in this struggle. I thank the Bornova City Council Animal Rights Working Group for their support.”

A story that left a mark on Turkey’s conscience

Eros (c. 2018 – January 1, 2024) was a cat living in a residential complex in Başakşehir, Istanbul, and was killed by resident İbrahim Keloğlan. The incident sparked widespread outrage and nationwide protests that lasted for days. Although the initial hearing resulted in a deferred announcement of the verdict, public pressure ensured the trial continued. On March 13, 2024, the perpetrator was sentenced to two years and six months in prison and given a travel ban.