The microchip of Smart Latch, a retired racehorse with a career cut short by injury, was discovered in meat served at a public soup kitchen in Mersin, Turkey. Following a complaint, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry confirmed the presence of single-hooved animal meat, traced back to the Adana Yesiloba Hippodrome where Smart Latch had raced. The horse’s owner, Suat Topcu, explained that after veterinary checks deemed Smart Latch unsuitable for breeding, he gave the horse away without transferring ownership. Investigations suggest illegal slaughter and meat sold as beef, prompting a legal inquiry.

The Mersin Metropolitan Municipality defended its procurement process, stating that meat supplies are sourced through official tenders and inspected under strict regulations, including veterinary supervision and laboratory testing. After the allegations surfaced, the municipality re-examined the process and emphasized its commitment to public health and compliance with legislation, while the investigation into the illegal slaughter continues.