Opposition challenges Turkey’s new stray dog euthanasia law

Turkey: the plan for the suppression of millions of stray dogs has received a favorable vote and is preparing to become law. The anger of animal rights activists is endless, accusing the Turkish Parliament of not having done enough to avert an imminent massacre

Recently, the Turkish Parliament voted in favor of a controversial amendment to Animal Protection Law No. 5119, paving the way for the potential extermination of nearly 4 million stray dogs.

Adoption as the only lifeline

The only way to save these dogs from euthanasia is adoption within 30 days of entering shelters. This is the key provision in the bill proposed by President Erdogan’s AKP party, which is now set to become law.

The measure involves capturing stray dogs from the streets, transferring them to shelters, and providing them with vaccinations and sterilization. The countdown of 30 days starts from there, with each passing day bringing them closer to being euthanized.

Dogs in animal care facilities that are not adopted within one month will be subjected to euthanasia. Adopted dogs are handed over to their new owners after local governments complete their rehabilitation process. The procedures and principles regarding housing, adoption, and euthanasia of homeless animals in care institutions will be regulated by the decree issued by the Ministry,” the bill draft reads.

A divisive decision

The vote saw 275 in favor and 224 against, in a plan aimed at reducing the stray dog population in the country and preventing the spread of rabies. Turkey is considered a high-risk country for the transmission of the disease.

Public outcry and opposition

The amendment has faced strong opposition from political opponents and Turkish citizens, who have taken to the streets in large numbers to express their outrage. Thousands protested in Istanbul against the proposed measure.

The issues raised are not just ethical. Animal rights activists argue that this law is a direct death sentence for Turkish strays, who will have little to no chance of being adopted.

Overcrowded shelters and inadequate care

Conditions in Turkey’s shelters are dire. There is no space to accommodate more dogs, and shelters are so overcrowded that volunteers and local organizations, left to fend for themselves, have created makeshift shelters to care for and remove injured and distressed animals from the streets.

Animal rights activists accuse the authorities of doing too little to protect stray dogs in Turkey. Sterilizations, vaccinations, and emergency care have been inadequate.

A controversial approach

Legislators have chosen the easiest (and most inhumane) path, which nonetheless does not offer a long-term solution. The opposition party CHP has announced, according to Turkish sources, that they will appeal against this “unconstitutional law that does not defend the right to life.” But will it be enough to stop a massacre of innocents?