Stray horses in Avcılar threaten traffic safety

In the Avcılar district of Istanbul, a herd of stray horses has been roaming streets and vacant lots, feeding on grass and scavenging from trash containers. Residents report that the horses often wander onto the training routes used by driver‑candidate courses, startling trainees and causing near‑miss accidents.

Driving instructor Selim Şahinoğlu said the animals have repeatedly entered the practice course, forcing learners to brake suddenly as the horses dash across the road. Local residents suspect the horses may belong to a nearby horse farm by Küçükçekmece Lake, but they are currently unowned and pose both a traffic and environmental hazard.

The community is calling for authorities to find a solution to remove or contain the animals to prevent further incidents and littering.