Thousands of people have gathered in Istanbul to protest against proposed legislation that critics fear will lead to the mass killing of stray dogs across Türkiye. The draft bill aims to regulate the country’s millions of stray dogs and make streets safer, but animal rights advocates are concerned that many animals would be put down or end up in neglected, overcrowded shelters. Demonstrations against the bill, which was proposed in mid-July, have been an almost-daily occurrence for the past several weeks as the proposed legislation makes its way through the judicial system. A parliamentary committee approved the draft earlier this week, and the full assembly is scheduled to have a final vote in the coming days with deliberations starting on Sunday. The government estimates that around four million stray dogs roam Türkiye’s streets and rural areas, and despite many being harmless, numerous people, including children, have been attacked in Istanbul and elsewhere.
The proposed legislation mandates that municipalities collect stray dogs and house them in shelters where they would be neutered and spayed. Dogs that are in pain, terminally ill, pose a health risk to humans, or are aggressive would be put down. Municipalities would be required to build dog shelters or improve conditions in existing ones by 2028. The legislation is a watered-down version of an initial proposal that called for the strays to be rounded up, housed in shelters, and euthanised if not adopted within 30 days. This initial proposal caused public outrage, with animal rights activists arguing it would result in the mass extermination of unadopted dogs. However, some activists still worry that some municipalities might kill dogs under false pretenses of being ill rather than allocating resources to shelter them. The government denies that the bill would lead to a widespread culling, with the country’s justice minister stating that anyone killing strays “for no reason” would be punished.
The need to control the stray dog population in Türkiye stems from various concerns, including public safety and animal welfare. A report released by the Safe Streets and Defense of the Right to Life Association highlighted that 65 people have died in street dog attacks since 2022. The government has promised to address the issue, especially after a child was severely injured in a dog attack in Ankara. The existing legislation requires stray dogs to be caught, neutered, spayed, and returned to their original location, but a failure to implement these regulations effectively has caused the feral dog population to grow significantly. Animal rights groups argue that proper implementation of these regulations would be sufficient to control the population. Britain has issued a stray dog warning for travellers to Türkiye, advising caution and avoiding approaching them as they often form packs and can be aggressive.
The debate surrounding the proposed legislation highlights the tension between public safety, animal welfare, and government policy. While the bill aims to address the issue of stray dogs in a more humane manner than the initial proposal, concerns remain among activists that the legislation could still lead to unnecessary euthanasia of animals. The ongoing protests reflect a strong public sentiment against the potential mass killing of stray dogs, with demonstrators urging the government to prioritize alternative solutions such as improved shelter conditions and better enforcement of existing regulations. As the bill moves through the legislative process, it remains to be seen how the government will navigate these competing interests and address the complex issue of stray dog population control in a way that balances both public safety and animal rights.
Overall, the proposed legislation in Türkiye to regulate the country’s stray dog population has sparked widespread controversy and protests. The bill, which aims to address the issue of stray dogs roaming the streets and rural areas, has raised concerns among animal rights activists about the potential mass killing of these animals. While the government insists that the bill will not lead to widespread culling and that those killing strays “for no reason” will be punished, activists fear that some municipalities may exploit the legislation to euthanize dogs under false pretenses. The need to control the stray dog population in Türkiye is underscored by public safety concerns, as highlighted by reports of attacks resulting in fatalities. The government’s promise to address this issue and the ongoing protests against the proposed legislation indicate a pressing need to find a balanced and humane solution that safeguards both human and animal well-being.
