Turkey's New Law for Stray Dogs, Sparks Controversy

New Legislation and Its Provisions

• Turkey's parliament approved a new law on July 29, 2024, aimed at managing the country's stray dog population.
• The law requires municipalities to round up stray dogs and place them in shelters.
• Dogs showing aggressive behavior or with untreatable diseases may be euthanized.
• Municipalities must spend at least 0.3% of their annual budget on animal rehabilitation services and building shelters.
• The law gives municipalities until 2028 to build new shelters and improve existing ones.
• Mayors who refuse to enforce the law could face imprisonment.
• The legislation replaces the previous catch-neuter-release approach.

Scale of the Problem and Current Situation

• Turkey's stray dog population is estimated at around 4 million.
• Over the past 20 years, municipalities have neutered approximately 2.5 million dogs.
• Currently, there are 322 animal shelters with a capacity for 105,000 dogs.
• Only about one-third of provincial and district municipalities have shelters.
• Government statistics show that street dogs have contributed to 55 deaths, over 5,000 injuries, and 3,500 traffic accidents in the past five years.
• The issue has divided public opinion, with some viewing stray dogs as a neighborhood fixture to be cared for, while others support more drastic solutions.

Opposition and Concerns

• Thousands have protested against the law, with some scuffles with police reported.
• Animal rights activists and dog lovers are outraged by the potential for euthanasia.
• Critics argue that existing facilities may not be able to handle the additional responsibilities.
• Opponents worry that the euthanasia clause might lead to widespread killing of stray dogs.
• The law evokes memories of a tragic 1910 incident when Ottoman authorities removed and abandoned thousands of stray dogs.
• Some opposition lawmakers have protested visually during parliamentary sessions.
• Animal welfare activists suggest a mass sterilization campaign as an alternative solution.

Support and Justification for the Law

• The government, led by President Erdogan, argues that the large number of stray dogs is a growing problem requiring immediate action.
• They promise to capture stray dogs, provide shelter, promote adoption, and euthanize only those considered dangerous.
• A recent opinion poll showed nearly 80% of respondents supported measures to take dogs off the street and provide shelter.
• Less than 3% believed collected dogs should be euthanized.
• The Safe Streets Association argues that a permanent solution is needed to take dogs off the streets.
• Supporters point to public safety concerns, citing statistics on dog-related incidents.
• Some advocates support a government solution that would allow dogs to be taken off the streets, collected in shelters, sterilized, and cared for if not adopted.