Animal rights advocates in Turkey fear a mass culling of stray dogs as lawmakers debate new legislation.

The Turkish Parliament recently began debating a controversial draft law aimed at addressing the country’s stray dog problem. The proposed legislation has sparked outrage among animal rights activists who fear it could lead to mass cullings of stray dogs. Demonstrations have been organized in major cities across Turkey, with protesters calling on the government to withdraw the bill.

In cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and even President Erdogan’s hometown of Rize, people have taken to the streets to voice their opposition to the draft law. Protesters have been holding signs with messages such as „Neuter, vaccinate, and keep alive,“ „Withdraw the legislation,“ and „No to the massacre.“ The sight of dozens of people outside the parliament building, demanding the protection of stray animals, has drawn attention to the issue.

Inside the parliament, the debate on the draft law has been heated, with members of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and opposition lawmakers clashing over the proposed measures. While AKP members have highlighted the dangers posed by stray dogs, citing incidents where children were injured or killed in attacks, opposition lawmakers have criticized the committee for excluding animal rights activists from the debate.

The proposed legislation has raised concerns about the welfare of stray animals in Turkey. Critics argue that mass cullings are not a humane or effective solution to the stray dog problem. Instead, they advocate for measures such as neutering, vaccinating, and providing shelter for stray animals to address the root causes of the issue. Animal rights activists have called for a more compassionate approach to managing the stray dog population, emphasizing the importance of protecting the lives of these vulnerable animals.

The debate over the draft law reflects a broader societal divide in Turkey between those who prioritize public safety and those who advocate for animal rights. As the discussions continue in parliament, it remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns raised by animal rights activists and find a balanced solution to the stray dog problem. In the meantime, the demonstrations and protests serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting the rights and welfare of all living beings, including stray animals.