In the bustling streets of Istanbul, a new law has recently stirred a whirlwind of emotions among animal lovers and activists. These streets, alive with the harmonious chaos of daily commerce and vibrant life, also host countless strays that have woven themselves into the fabric of community life. Dogs and cats roam freely here, often fed and cared for by local residents who view them as integral parts of the neighborhood.
On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, the Turkish government approved a law aimed at removing millions of stray animals from the country’s streets. Under this new legislation, local governments are tasked with rounding up stray dogs to place them in shelters where they will be vaccinated and sterilized to prepare them for adoption. Dogs that are suffering, seriously ill, or deemed a health threat will be euthanized.
Municipalities are required to allocate at least 0.3% of their annual budget to animal rehabilitation services and to the building or upgrading of shelters, with a deadline of 2028 to meet these standards.
The government estimates that about 4 million stray dogs roam Turkey’s streets and rural areas. Current facilities are significantly insufficient, with only 322 animal shelters available that have a combined capacity to house 105,000 dogs.
Animal enthusiasts express concerns that the law could lead many dogs to be either euthanized or relegated to neglected, overcrowded shelters. “Since there are not enough places in the shelters — there are very few shelters in Turkey — a path has been opened for the killing (of strays),” said veterinarian Turkan Ceylan. “We animal rights activists know very well that this spells death.”
The legislation has also sparked political controversy, with some critics arguing that it will be used as a tool against the opposition, which won many of Turkey’s largest municipalities in the recent local elections. The law includes fines for mayors who fail to enforce its provisions, and the principal opposition party has vowed not to comply.
Thousands across Turkey have protested, calling for the removal of the provision that allows for the euthanasia of some stray animals. These groups, including opposition politicians and animal rights organizations, have labeled the bill the “massacre law.”
In Istanbul’s Şişhane Square, hundreds rallied, delivering a defiant message to the authorities: “Your massacre law is just a piece of paper for us,” declared the protest organizers. “We will write the law on the streets. Life and solidarity, not hatred and hostility, will win.”
Meanwhile, in Ankara, animal advocates gathered outside municipal buildings, voicing their dissent loudly. “We are warning the government again and again, stop the law. Do not commit this crime against this country,” they declared amidst whistles and jeers.
Many attribute the surge in the stray dog population to a lack of enforcement of existing laws, which mandated the capture, neutering, spaying, and return of stray dogs to their original locations.
The CHP, having secured control of several of Turkey’s largest municipalities, has openly refused to enforce the new law. Nonetheless, the recently passed legislation imposes severe penalties, including prison sentences of up to two years, for mayors who fail to address the stray dog issue as required.
In response, the government has refuted claims that the bill will lead to mass euthanasia of stray dogs. Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunc asserted that any unjustified killing of strays would result in severe penalties. Additionally, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister Ibrahim Yumaklı described the legislation in a local television interview as an ‘adoption’ law, not a ‘massacre’ law.
On Wednesday, President Erdoğan declared that the bill would be enacted before the summer recess, ensuring that the streets would be secured. “There will be never be concessions, we will finish this,” Erdoğan stated during a party meeting.
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