Controversial legislation in Turkey stirring up controversy regarding the management of its stray dog population
In July 2024, Turkey enacted a new measure to control its stray dog population, aiming to reduce the urban stray population swiftly. The revised plans require municipalities to capture, vaccinate, sterilize, and shelter about 4 million stray dogs, with euthanasia authorised only for dogs that are sick, aggressive, in pain, terminally ill, or posing a health risk to humans [1].
The revised plans emphasise permanent removal from streets rather than release back into public areas. Strays in high-risk areas must be captured promptly, often before shelters reach full readiness, and authorities must maintain strict logs and welfare protocols for the sheltered dogs [2]. New dog shelters with adequate staffing and CCTV surveillance are to be constructed to prevent escapes and ensure safety [1][2].
However, concerns have been raised by animal advocacy groups about the conditions in these shelters. Issues such as potential overcrowding, the adequacy of veterinary care, and welfare standards due to the large scale of capture and housing have been highlighted [3]. Some protests across Turkey in 2024 reflected opposition to the legislation allowing euthanasia and the shift away from earlier more humane CNVR programs [3].
Comparably humane models from other countries stress sterilization, vaccination, and adoption without euthanasia [3][5]. Critics of the bill, including major animal rights groups, have voiced concerns about dogs being kept in cramped shelters with minimal comforts and potential mass euthanasia [3].
The new Turkish measures balance public health and safety concerns with animal control but remain controversial, particularly regarding shelter conditions and the use of euthanasia as a last resort for certain dogs. These concerns mirror similar debates and court-mandated strictures in other countries like India, where evacuation and permanent sheltering of strays have elicited both government action and public protest [1][2][4].
The bill to control the stray dog population in Turkey, initially proposed for mass euthanasia, is expected to pass as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's party holds a majority in parliament. The move comes after a child in Ankara was severely injured by dogs earlier this year, prompting the government to take action [6].
However, the UK has issued a stray dog warning for tourists heading to Turkey, advising them that these dogs can form packs and be aggressive [7]. It is estimated that there are four million stray dogs in Turkey, with millions more stray dogs and cats worldwide [8]. Animal rights groups argue that if these regulations were implemented properly, they could control the stray dog population in Turkey [9].
References:
- Euronews (2024). Turkey plans to neuter millions of stray dogs and cats. [online] Available at: https://www.euronews.com/2024/07/01/turkey-plans-to-neuter-millions-of-stray-dogs-and-cats
- Al Jazeera (2024). Turkey's stray dog population: A public health crisis or animal welfare issue? [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/1/turkeys-stray-dog-population-a-public-health-crisis-or-animal-welfare-issue
- The Guardian (2024). Turkey's new stray dog law met with protests and animal rights concerns. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/7/10/turkeys-new-stray-dog-law-met-with-protests-and-animal-rights-concerns
- The Hindu (2023). India's Supreme Court orders mass sterilisation of stray dogs. [online] Available at: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indias-supreme-court-orders-mass-sterilisation-of-stray-dogs/article32126924.ece
- Humane Society International (n.d.). Humane stray dog management: A better approach for communities. [online] Available at: https://www.hsi.org/resources/humane-stray-dog-management-a-better-approach-for-communities
- Anadolu Agency (2024). Turkey to control stray dog population with new measures. [online] Available at: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-to-control-stray-dog-population-with-new-measures/2065614
- BBC News (2024). Turkey stray dogs: Warning for tourists. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-61366191
- ASPCA (n.d.). Stray and homeless animals. [online] Available at: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/common-cat-behavior/stray-homeless-animals
- Animal Rights Turkey (n.d.). Stray animals in Turkey. [online] Available at: https://www.animalrightsturkey.org/en/stray-animals-in-turkey/
- With concerns over shelter conditions and the use of euthanasia, animal rights groups in Turkey suggest that proper implementation of the new measures for stray dogs could significantly reduce their population.
- The revised pet care plans in Turkey involve constructing new dog shelters equipped with adequate staffing, CCTV surveillance, and strict logs to prevent escapes and ensure the safety and welfare of the dogs.
- In light of the ongoing debates about pet lifestyle and welfare, comparably humane models from other countries propose approaches that emphasize sterilization, vaccination, and adoption without euthanasia as a means of managing stray dog populations.
- As the Turkish government takes steps to control its stray pet population by neutering millions of stray dogs, it is crucial to prioritize humane practices and provide a comfortable home-and-garden environment for these animals to reduce aggressive behavior and ensure high-quality care.
