A new law is being passed in Türkiye in an effort to tackle the issue of stray dogs on its streets. The legislation requires local authorities to round up all homeless dogs across the country and put them in shelters for verification of an owner and medical checks. The law states that unclaimed hounds after 30 days will be put down if no history can be identified. It will also apply to dogs with terminal health conditions or who pose health risks to humans.
Strays roaming the Turkish streets is a problem that has been ongoing for centuries and it is estimated that there are four million nationwide. However, the regulation has caused great backlash in response from animal welfare groups and political opposition. Demonstration groups have gathered in key locations in the country in protest, such as Sishane Square in Istanbul where objectors shouted the message, “Your ‘massacre law’ is just a piece of paper for us. We will write the law on the streets. Life and solidarity, not hatred and hostility, will win.” Other activists in Istanbul have also been referring to the shelters as “death camps”.
Similarly in Ankara, commotion and statements were displayed outside the capital’s municipal offices, including “we are warning the government again and again, stop the law. Do not commit this crime against this country.”
Protesters in Türkiye have been demonstrating for several weeks over a proposed bill that aims to reduce the number of stray dogs roaming the country’s streets #Türkiye #Turkey #Dogs #Straydogs #Protests pic.twitter.com/ej22NMnBCv
— CGTN Europe (@CGTNEurope) July 26, 2024
Town mayors will be subject to up to two years in prison if they do not adhere to the new rules. There are concerns that economically unstable municipalities will not be able to fund the creation of new shelters in tackling this problem.
President Erdogan deemed the law “necessary” following the acclaimed turmoil caused by the presence of stray dogs such as attacks on groups walking in the streets, the spreading of disease and traffic accidents. “The truth is that a very large part of society wants this issue to be resolved as soon as possible and our streets to become safe for everyone, especially our children,” explains Erdogan. Further remarks from AKP, Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party, claim that the law is a “demand of the nation.” However, a Turkish opinion poll concluded that in fact, only 3% of the population support the notion. Even members of Erdogan’s government have spoken out against the law, with one MP stating, “this law makes us dog killers”.
Teenage pedestrian attacked by stray dogs
— ANews (@anews) May 7, 2022
A young girl was mauled by stray dogs while walking down the street in #Turkey's capital city #Ankara. Fortunately, a passing driver saved the young girl in time by honking his car at the dogs.#dogattack #türkiye #anews pic.twitter.com/3kXFPpsKGr
Demonstrators are suggesting alternative ways to handle the situation such as sterilising the animals to reduce the risk of attacks. Veterinary organisations are also trying to draw attention to the fact that sterilising and vaccination are much cheaper than directly putting the dogs down.
The leading party has responded to the outcry saying that the new regulation will not lead to a widespread elimination of all stray dogs, that only those posing as threats to society are of concern. “Anyone killing strays for no reason will be punished,” were comments to journalists from Yilmaz Tunc, the Justice Minister.
There is speculation that the change is in an attempt to counter the recent successes of the ruling party’s opposition, the CHP Republican People’s Party. “You have made a law that is morally, conscientiously and legally broken. You cannot wash your hands of blood,” were comments in parliament from Murat Emir, a senior deputy. The CHP has also stated that they will not pass this bill if elected into parliament.
