A recent Turkish law aimed at removing millions of stray dogs from the streets has sparked nationwide protests. According to official reports, legislators cited safety concerns before approving the law last month. The latest demonstrations took place in Istanbul on September 1, as protestors called to “withdraw the bloody law.”
Citizens & activists unite against new Turkish stray dog law
Thousands of citizens and activists are protesting the new Turkish stray dog law and calling for legislators to rescind it. Last month, the country’s lawmakers approved the controversial legislation to eradicate the stray dog problem, citing safety issues. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan further stressed the importance of eradicating the “stray dog problem.”
Protestors gathered in Istanbul on Sunday in disagreement with the new Turkish stray dog law. Critics claim that it can result in the killings of the country’s millions of dogs. ABC News reported that one protestor, Hasan Kizilyatak, told the Associated Press, “We want this law to be withdrawn immediately.” Kizilyatak added that stray dogs “are living beings, just like us” and that the Turkish people are “against them being annihilated.”
Several others who appeared at the protest were supporters of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. One such individual, Ayten Arslan, claimed that they “are here for the stray animals” much like they “stood beside our president on July 15 (2016) when there was a coup attempt.” Arslan noted, “I say as an AK Party supporter, this law, is a bloody law.”
Reportedly, the Turkish government estimates at least four million stray dogs roam the country’s streets. They believe that while most of these dogs are harmless, the increasingly growing rate of strays has led to multiple attacks on people and children.
As part of the new Turkish law, municipalities will be required to collect strays from the streets. They will then house these dogs in shelters and vaccinate, neuter, and spay them before putting them up for adoption. The legislation allows the euthanization of those in pain, terminally ill, or a risk to humans.
