Francesca Capozzi Turkish citizens are furious over a proposal to euthanize unadopted stray dogs. Thousands showed their disapproval, protesting to ask instead for more humane and effective long-term solutions such as sterilization
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Thousands of Turkish citizens took to the streets of Istanbul, forcefully chanting “no to massacre”. They protested against a shocking government proposal regarding the management of stray dogs.
Euthanasia for unadopted dogs
The proposal calls for the capture and euthanasia of stray dogs within 30 days of entering a shelter if not adopted. This effectively spells a death sentence for the approximately four million stray dogs in Turkey.
Following the american kill shelter model
This controversial measure follows the American model of kill shelters, where unclaimed dogs are euthanized within a limited period. The bill aims to address the issue of stray dogs by eliminating those that no one wants.
Public outcry and volunteer efforts
These animals are cared for by numerous citizens and volunteers who are deeply concerned about their fate. The residents are expressing their outrage, accusing the government of inaction.
OIPA JOINED TO THE PROTEST IN TURKEY AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT'S PLAN TO KILL STRAY DOGSThousands of people joint the protest organized yesterday in Istanbul against the unsane decision of the Turkish government to pass a law that will enable municipalities to capture stray dogs and put them down if they are not adopted within 30 days.People marched yelling "No to the massacre!" bringing protest signs to express their disappointment.OIPA was there to stand for animals in Turkey and defend their right to life!The President of our member association Bir Pati De Sen Tut declared: “It was the most crowded protest I have ever seen. Today not only rescuers, volunteers, associations were there to protest, but also citizens, children, and families who were not actively involved in animal rescue activities. Probably, they will not hear us but at least they saw how many we are!”.Send your protest email, if you haven’t done it yet 👉 https://www.oipa.org/international/turkey-allow-euthanasia-to-strays/
Posted by OIPA International on Monday, June 3, 2024
Insufficient Sterilization and Education
Protesters argue that there have been too few sterilizations over the years and insufficient educational campaigns to combat abandonment. Shelters in Turkey are overcrowded with neglected animals waiting hopefully to be adopted.
The proposal is seen as not only barbaric and uncivilized but also impractical. There simply isn’t enough space to house more dogs without committing a mass killing.
President Erdoğan’s Response
In response to the protests, Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the issue, reminding that the euthanasia of aggressive animals is already part of Turkish law.
“We want all animals brought to shelters to be adopted. If we can achieve this goal, we believe there will be no need for further steps,” Erdoğan stated in parliament.
Supporters of the bill
Supporters of the bill see it as a tool to ensure street safety and reduce the risk of rabies and other diseases.
Recent developments
Abdullah Güler, head of the AK group, explained to journalists that the project also aims to improve the quality of facilities and shelters and avoid causing pain and suffering to ownerless animals through euthanasia.
Animal welfare organizations’ opposition
Animal welfare organizations consider this solution inhumane. They propose sterilization as a humane method to control the stray dog population. Will their perspective be considered?
Report delivered to Erdoğan
A report on stray dogs has been recently delivered to President Erdoğan. Bahadır Yenişehirlioğlu, vice president of the AK party group, announced plans to meet with opposition party members by the end of the week to discuss the next steps.
Sources: Oipa International – Reuters
