Famagusta Resident Arrested for Throwing Dog Off Balcony

A man from Famagusta has been arrested after throwing his dog off the balcony of an apartment building, causing the animal to suffer serious injuries.

According to the Famagusta police, the incident took place over the weekend. The 41-year-old man, who lives on the third floor of a multi-story apartment building, allegedly threw his Pekingese dog from a height of about six meters.

The Animal Rights Committee reported that, before throwing the dog, the man had severely beaten it. Complaints were filed with the Famagusta police station regarding the incident.

As a result of the fall, the dog sustained a broken rear left leg and other injuries. The suspect was identified and arrested. The police investigation is still ongoing, and the crime is punishable by up to three years in prison.

It is also worth mentioning that in late March, the Parliament of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus approved amendments to the animal protection law. The new law removes animals' status as "property" and recognizes them as living beings, aiming to impose harsher penalties for cruelty and abuse.