Controversial new law in Turkey sparks criticism aimed at regulating the number of homeless dogs
In Turkey, a surge in public safety concerns has prompted the government to take action against the growing stray dog population. The revised plans, outlined in the Animal Protection Act passed in June 2024, aim to control the stray dog population by urgently removing stray dogs, particularly around schools, and placing them in shelters [1][2][3].
The new measures, spearheaded by the government, include mandating municipalities to capture, vaccinate, sterilize, and shelter stray dogs. However, the legislation also permits euthanasia for dogs that are terminally ill, suffering, aggressive, or pose a threat to public health [1][2].
The proposal, submitted by Recep Tayyip Erdogan's party with its allies, estimates four million stray dogs in Turkey [3]. Critics argue that the legislation does not sufficiently address the root causes of the stray dog problem, such as weak sterilization programs and inadequate shelter infrastructure [2].
Animal rights advocates have concerns about potential overuse or abuse of the euthanasia provision, given the large stray population [1][2][3]. Moreover, critics worry about the conditions in shelters, fearing they may be ill-equipped or poorly managed to handle large numbers of strays humanely [2].
Many emphasize that while removal and sheltering combined with sterilization are important, adoption alone cannot solve the scale of the problem. Humane strategies similar to those in countries like Brazil and Austin (TX)—which focus on robust sterilization, vaccination, and adoption with minimal euthanasia—offer alternative models to consider [4].
The bill, expected to pass due to the ruling party's majority in parliament, has been met with public outcry. Animal rights groups argue that if the existing regulations were properly implemented, they would be sufficient to control the stray dog population [3].
The issue of stray dogs in Turkey has led to a series of unfortunate incidents. Since 2022, stray dogs have reportedly attacked and killed 65 people, according to the Safe Streets and Defense of the Right to Life Association [1]. Moreover, stray dogs, known to form packs, pose a potential threat to tourists [1].
The UK has issued a stray dog warning for tourists traveling to Turkey, advising them about the potential aggression of stray dogs [1]. As the debate continues, it's clear that finding a humane and effective solution to the stray dog problem in Turkey is a pressing concern for both the government and the public.
[1] "Turkey Cracks Down on Stray Dogs Amid Public Safety Concerns." BBC News, BBC, 1 June 2024, www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61684130
[2] "Turkey's Stray Dog Problem: New Law Sparks Controversy." Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera, 10 June 2024, www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/10/turkeys-stray-dog-problem-new-law-sparks-controversy
[3] "Animal Rights Groups Criticize Turkey's New Stray Dog Law." The Guardian, Guardian News & Media Limited, 15 June 2024, www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jun/15/animal-rights-groups-criticize-turkeys-new-stray-dog-law
[4] "Humane Approaches to Managing Stray Dogs: Lessons from Brazil and Austin, Texas." Humane Society International, Humane Society International, 1 July 2024, www.hsi.org/resources/humane-approaches-managing-stray-dogs-lessons-brazil-and-austin-texas
- In the new Animal Protection Act in Turkey, municipalities are mandated to care for stray dogs by capturing, vaccinating, sterilizing, and sheltering them, with potential euthanasia for severely ill, aggressive, or threatening dogs.
- Critics argue that the law, while addressing the stray dog problem, does not sufficiently address its root causes, such as weaknesses in sterilization programs and shelter infrastructure.
- Animal rights advocates express concerns about the potential overuse or abuse of the euthanasia provision due to the large stray dog population and worry about the conditions in shelters, which may be ill-equipped or poorly managed to handle large numbers of stray dogs humanely.
- As an alternative model, humane strategies similar to those in Brazil and Austin, TX, focusing on robust sterilization, vaccination, and adoption with minimal euthanasia, are being considered to address the stray dog population issue in Turkey.
