The issue of stray animals in Turkey has long been a contentious and challenging problem that has divided society. A recent 18-hour-long meeting in Parliament shed light on just how deeply divided Turkish society is on solving this issue. The meeting focused on amendments to the animal protection law regarding stray animals, sparking heated debates and even physical altercations among parliamentarians. The proposal put forth by the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) has caused a rift between supporters and opponents, with both sides vehemently arguing their positions.
One of the main points of contention in the proposed amendments is the shift from the „catch-neuter-release“ method to the „catch-neuter-keep-adopt“ method. This change has raised concerns among animal lovers and NGOs, who fear that it could lead to mass euthanasia of stray animals. The proposal also gives authorities the power to euthanize animals with rabies, infectious diseases, or incurable illnesses, as well as those deemed a threat to public safety. This has sparked fears of potential abuse of power by local municipalities and has further fueled the debate.
The stray animal population in Turkey is estimated to be around 4 million, and the current shelter system is inadequate to address the issue effectively. The proposed amendments call for an increase in shelter capacity and mandate that local municipalities allocate a certain percentage of their budget to address the problem. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in imprisonment for municipal officials who misuse allocated resources.
The opposition, led by the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has called for the withdrawal of the current proposal and the drafting of a new one with input from all stakeholders. They argue that the AK Party has failed to address the issue effectively in the past and should not be entrusted with solving it now. The political debate in Parliament is mirrored by public discourse, with misinformation spreading rapidly on social media platforms.
In order to effectively tackle the issue of stray animals, a comprehensive approach is needed. Prevention should be a key focus, with measures in place to discourage pet abandonment and encourage responsible pet ownership. Neutering and microchipping should be promoted to control the stray animal population and facilitate identification of lost pets. Education on pet ownership responsibilities is crucial to prevent future issues.
The AK Party’s proposal, while a step in the right direction, must be revised and reworded to address the concerns of all sides. Collaboration between political parties, NGOs, and the public is essential to find a sustainable solution to the stray animal problem. By prioritizing prevention, responsible ownership, and high-quality shelters, Turkey can work towards a future where stray animals are no longer a threat to public safety and well-being.
