Thousands of Turks Protest Controversial Law Aimed at Stray Dogs

ISTANBUL (AP) — In Istanbul, thousands took to the streets on Sunday to express their outrage over a new law that critics claim could lead to the mass killing of stray dogs across Turkey.

This controversial legislation, approved last month, aims to address what authorities describe as the “stray dog problem” in the country. However, animal rights advocates fear that its implementation will result in widespread culling or abandonment of dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary shelters.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan defended the law, stating it was necessary for public safety and to manage the growing number of stray dogs, which the government estimates to be around 4 million throughout the nation.

During the protests, demonstrators carried signs with messages like “shelters are death camps” and “withdraw the bloody law,” clearly expressing their dissatisfaction. One protester, Hasan Kizilyatak, 64, shared his views with the Associated Press: “We want this law to be withdrawn immediately. They (stray dogs) are living beings, just like us. We are here because we are against them being annihilated.”

Adding to the diverse crowd, Ayten Arslan, 55, a self-identified supporter of Erdogan, also joined the protest. She stated, “Just like we stood beside our president on July 15 (2016) when there was a coup attempt, we are here for the stray animals. I say as an AK Party supporter, this law is a bloody law.”

The opposition party, the Republican People’s Party, is actively seeking to overturn the measure, having already filed a case in the Constitutional Court just days after its approval.

Despite the government’s assertion that safety concerns necessitate the legislation, the reality on the streets is complex. While many stray dogs are considered harmless, there have been reports of attacks, including incidents involving children. A report from the Safe Streets and Defense of the Right to Life Association noted that since 2022, 65 people have died as a result of dog attacks.

The newly passed law mandates that municipalities must collect stray dogs and place them in shelters, where they would be vaccinated, neutered, and spayed before being offered for adoption. However, the law also stipulates that dogs in pain or with terminal illnesses, as well as those deemed a threat to public health, may be euthanized. Initially, the bill included provisions for cats, but this was amended following public backlash.

Concerns have been raised about the financial feasibility of constructing additional shelters, especially given the constraints faced by many municipalities. There is worry that underfunded local governments may resort to euthanizing dogs under the guise of health concerns rather than ensuring proper shelter and care.

The situation has been further exacerbated by alarming reports and videos circulating on social media, showing deceased animals buried in ditches. Animal rights activists allege that these dogs and cats were killed indiscriminately following the law’s passage, raising questions about compliance and ethical treatment of stray animals across the country.

The protests and the ongoing public discourse highlight a deep divide in Turkish society regarding the treatment of stray dogs, balancing public safety against the rights of animals. Advocates for animal welfare continue to spearhead the movement against the new law, urging immediate attention to the plight of stray animals in Turkey.