The issue of managing Turkey’s large stray dog population has sparked a heated debate in the country, with animal advocates and activists at odds over a proposed bill that could potentially lead to the widespread killing of these animals. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party has put forth legislation aimed at addressing the estimated 4 million stray dogs roaming the streets and rural areas of Turkey. While some of these dogs are friendly and harmless, there has been a rise in incidents involving aggressive packs of strays attacking people.
The initial proposal leaked to the media caused outrage among animal rights activists, as it suggested rounding up strays, housing them in shelters, and euthanizing them if they were not adopted within 30 days. This led to concerns about mass extermination of unadopted dogs. The revised version of the bill requires municipalities to remove stray dogs from the streets, place them in shelters for neutering and spaying, and euthanize those that are sick, believed to have rabies, or display aggressive behavior. Municipalities are also mandated to build or improve dog shelters by 2028.
Despite these changes, activists remain skeptical, fearing that some municipalities may resort to mass culling instead of investing in shelters. The parliamentary commission tasked with debating the bill faced a rocky start when the committee chair asked media and observers to leave due to limited space, sparking further tension. Activists continued to protest outside the Turkish Grand National Assembly, demanding the withdrawal of the legislation to prevent a potential massacre of stray dogs.
The political landscape surrounding the bill is divided, with opposition parties opposing it while Erdogan’s ruling party and its allies hold the majority in parliament. A report by the Safe Streets and Defense of the Right to Life Association highlighted the dangers posed by stray dogs, citing 65 deaths from dog attacks since 2022 and over 3,500 traffic accidents caused by cars swerving to avoid strays. Erdogan has emphasized the risks of rabies and the need to address the growing dog population.
The government’s response to the issue comes after a child was severely injured in a dog attack in Ankara earlier this year. Existing regulations require stray dogs to be caught, neutered, spayed, and returned to their original location, but a lack of enforcement has led to a surge in the feral dog population. Animal rights groups argue that proper implementation of these regulations would be sufficient to control the stray dog population without resorting to mass euthanasia.
The debate over the management of Turkey’s stray dog population continues to unfold, with stakeholders on both sides advocating for the welfare and safety of these animals while also addressing public concerns about the risks they pose. As the bill progresses through parliament, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the future of stray dogs in Turkey and the approach to animal welfare in the country.
