On Tuesday, Turkey's parliament enacted a law mandating the capture of millions of stray dogs and their confinement in shelters, a decision met with opposition from animal welfare advocates and criticism from the main opposition party, which intends to contest the law in court.
The legislation, drafted by President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party, has sparked significant controversy in Turkey, with many fearing it will result in the euthanasia of a large number of dogs. Turkey is estimated to have four million stray dogs, and proponents of the law have raised concerns about dog attacks, traffic accidents, and rabies. According to the new regulations, dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior or suffering from incurable diseases will be euthanized. The law was passed with 275 votes in favor and 224 against.
Animal rights activists advocate for intensified neutering programs instead, and the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) plans to challenge the law at the Constitutional Court. CHP leader Ozgur Ozel criticized the bill as unconstitutional and life-threatening, noting that municipalities lack the resources to manage the removal of so many dogs from the streets. Ozel emphasized the commitment to expanding shelters, vaccinations, neutering, and adoption efforts, but acknowledged the limitations of municipal capabilities.
Currently, Turkey has 322 animal shelters with a capacity for 105,000 dogs, significantly short of the capacity needed to accommodate the estimated stray population. The law mandates that all municipalities allocate at least 0.3% of their annual budget to animal rehabilitation services and shelter construction or upgrades, with a deadline until 2028.
In recent weeks, thousands have protested the law, sometimes clashing with police and displaying banners with messages like "You cannot kill them" and "Take back the law." Turkish residents frequently care for street animals by providing makeshift shelters, food, and water. A survey indicated that less than 3% supported euthanasia, while nearly 80% favored sheltering the dogs.
