Turkish Parliament initiates debate on animal welfare legislation

The fate of stray dogs in Turkey has sparked a heated debate as amendments to an animal protection bill are now before Parliament. The bill, colloquially known as the „stray animals bill,“ has raised concerns among critics who fear it may lead to the indiscriminate culling of the canine population. On the other hand, proponents argue that the bill is necessary to address the rising number of fatal attacks by aggressive dogs, particularly on children and the elderly.

The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has taken a stand against the bill, leading efforts to block its approval by Parliament. The contentious nature of the debate was further fueled by the controversial demonstrations of a group of self-proclaimed „animal rights activists“ at Parliament. As a result, Parliament has decided to close its doors to visitors during the debate on the amendments and other bills this week.

The amendments proposed by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) include measures to euthanize dogs that are in pain, terminally ill, pose a public health risk, or are too aggressive to be controlled. However, the term „euthanize“ was removed from the final draft of the bill. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has defended the bill, emphasizing the need to keep the streets safe amid growing dog attacks.

President Erdoğan, who is a dog owner himself, highlighted the risks posed by the estimated 4 million stray dogs in Turkey. He pointed out the escalating risk of rabies and the need for a better solution to address the issue. The bill mandates municipalities to collect stray dogs, house them in shelters for neutering and spaying, and implement existing laws for euthanizing feral dogs under veterinary supervision.

The bill also imposes stricter penalties on individuals who abandon their pets and requires mayors to take responsibility for controlling stray dogs. Failure to comply could result in imprisonment for mayors and increased fines for offenders. Murat Pınar, who heads an association advocating for measures to ensure safe streets, shared the tragic story of his daughter Mahra, who was killed in a traffic accident caused by aggressive dogs.

The debate over the stray animals bill reflects the complex challenges faced by Turkey in managing its stray dog population. While dogs and cats are a common sight on Turkish streets and are often cared for by locals, the recent increase in aggressive behavior has raised concerns about public safety. As Parliament prepares to make a final decision on the bill, the fate of stray dogs in Turkey hangs in the balance, with stakeholders on both sides of the debate advocating for their respective positions.