Street Dogs in Turkey: New Law and the Fight for Humane Treatment
Turkey has long struggled with a significant street dog population. From 2004 until mid-2024, a national spay/neuter program aimed to control this issue but often faltered due to underfunding and poor management. On July 30, 2024, Turkey introduced a new law requiring stray dogs to be impounded, kept in shelters, offered for adoption, and euthanized if aggressive or showing untreatable disease symptoms. While this law aims to manage the street dog population more effectively, it has sparked controversy and criticism.
Capacity and Implementation Issues: The Turkish Veterinary Medical Association's president, Gülay Ertürk, highlighted a major challenge: Turkey has between 2.7 million and 4 million street dogs, while the country's 322 dog pounds have a maximum capacity of only about 105,000 dogs. Since the new law took effect, there have been reports of systematic killings of strays in various municipalities, leading to investigations.
Opposition and Legal Challenges: Turkey's main opposition party has launched efforts to persuade the Constitutional Court to revoke the new law. Municipalities controlled by opposition parties are taking a more cautious approach, awaiting the court's decision before aggressively collecting stray dogs. Meanwhile, sporadic rabies outbreaks, including one in the Kırıkhan district of Hatay in early January 2025, underscore the ongoing public health concerns related to the street dog population.
Role of Animal Rights Activists and Organizations: Numerous animal rights activists and organizations have stepped in to challenge the new law and advocate for the humane treatment of stray dogs. Notable among these are:
Haytap (Turkish Animal Rights Federation): Led by Ahmet Kemal Şenpolat, this federation unites various local animal rights associations to create a national influence and clear agenda focused on legal protection for animals.
WWF Turkey: The Turkish branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature works to protect the country's biodiversity and raise awareness about animal welfare.
THKD (Turkish Animal Protection Association): This organization focuses on protecting animals and promoting their welfare in Turkey.
ALDF Turkey (Animal Legal Defense Fund): Concentrates on legal actions to defend animal rights.
These organizations have played a crucial role in opposing the law and organizing protests. Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Istanbul and Ankara to voice their dissent, and efforts are ongoing to ensure humane solutions for the street dog population.
Painter Şeyma Kayan feeds stray dogs in central Konya, Turkey, April 13, 2021. (AA Photo)
Call to Action: To support animal rights activists and organizations in their efforts to protect street dogs in Turkey, consider:
Donating to Haytap, WWF Turkey, THKD, or ALDF Turkey: Financial contributions can help these organizations continue their vital work.
Volunteering: If you are in Turkey or have the ability to travel, volunteering your time can make a significant impact.
Raising Awareness: Share information about the situation on social media and with your network to help amplify the voices of those advocating for humane treatment of street dogs.
Advocating for Change: Reach out to local representatives and policymakers to express your concerns and support for humane animal welfare practices.