Animal abuser found dogs on Craigslist

April 8, 10:38 AMPhiladelphia Animal Advocate ExaminerMegan Drake

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Cem Basoflas

A 20 year old Kansas University physics major pleaded guilt yesterday to two counts of felony animal cruelty. Cem Basoflas, a native of Istanbul, Turkey admitted to sodomizing and killing a dog in February and beating and torturing a cat this past August.

At his arraignment in February he was freed on $12,000 bail which was posted by his mother and he was forced to surrender his passport.

Here's a relief… as part of his plea he will not fight deportation back to his native Istanbul, Turkey. His sentencing is scheduled May 8 and will remain in custody until his deportation. He will also serve 30 days “shock time” and have to get a psychological evaluation.

The additional tragedy of this case is Basoflas obtained the animals through Craigslist and local newspaper ads.

When will people learn that advertising the sale of living creatures "or give free to good home" is an invitation to promoting just such abuse? A recent cursory review of Craigslist found numerous animals offered for sale (and free to good home) on the site.

For the love of all animals… if you see this type of advertising on Craigslist or in a newspaper, try hooking the advertiser up with local rescue groups. Even one life saved from this horrific abuse is worth the effort!

Here's another thought... what about the innocent dogs and cats in Turkey?  Will Basoflas have to register as an animal abuser with the authorities upon his return?  How can conserned citizens contact the Istanbul authorities?

The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul stands ready to assist American citizens and businesses in Istanbul. The Consulate is located at Kaplicalar Mevkii Sok. No: 2, Istinye, telephone number 90-212-335-9000.

For a Crime and Safety report about Istanbul, Turkey look here.

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