A controversial proposal was tabled before the Turkish parliament by Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party The proposed bill, if adopted would have led stray dogs to be taken off the streets and placed in the shelters where they would then go through neutering and spaying.
Further, it is stated that dogs who are at high risk for rabies, possess aggressive behavior that cannot be tamed or rehabilitated will be put down as well. Additionally, local authorities are required to improve existing dog shelters while encouraging the public to adopt these animals.
Critics of this idea argue that it could lead to dog overpopulation in shelters and possibly death for numerous animals. The argument against animal rights activists versus those who want street dogs protected has been fueled by this bill.
Erdogan estimates that there are approximately four million stray dogs currently in Turkey, roaming its cities and countryside. A draft proposal not submitted to parliament sought their collection, sheltering and euthanasia after a period of 30 days if not adopted. The proposal had attracted public attention with protests from animal rights campaigners concerned about possible mass euthanasia of unclaimed dogs.
Regarding this report by Safe Streets and Defense of the Right to Life Association which supports removal of all stray dogs from Turkey streets; since 2022, about 65 deaths have been caused due to street dog attacks. Earlier this year, the government promised to take action following an incident in Ankara where a child was severely mauled by a stray.
Numerous feral dog populations have begun due to ineffective implementation of such legislations for years such as “catching, sterilizing/neutering/spaying them” returning them back into their original places. They therefore opine that enforcing these guidelines strictly would be sufficient enough for population management purposes.
Recently Britain issued a warning on travelling abroad particularly Turkey concerning street dogs which often run together as wild packs and tend to become violent with humans approaching them. Visitors were also advised to approach them with caution or not at all.
