Turkey’s Grand National Assembly has passed a controversial new law aimed at addressing the country’s stray dog problem, prompting both concern and protest from animal welfare activists and critics. The legislation, which was approved during an overnight session on Tuesday, mandates that municipalities collect stray dogs, place them in shelters, and ensure they are spayed, neutered, and vaccinated before being made available for adoption.
However, the new law has been met with significant opposition. Critics, including animal welfare organizations, fear that the law could lead to a large-scale culling of stray dogs, particularly those deemed terminally ill, suffering, or a health risk. The bill has been colloquially dubbed the “massacre law” by its detractors, who argue that it might result in mass euthanasia rather than humane treatment and rehoming.
The legislation has also stirred political controversy. Some opponents suspect the law could be exploited to target political adversaries, especially following the opposition’s notable victories in recent local elections. The bill includes penalties for mayors who fail to comply with the new regulations, further fueling tensions. The main opposition party has announced plans not to enforce the law, adding to the ongoing debate.
Protests have erupted across Turkey in response to the new law. Demonstrators gathered in Istanbul’s Sishane Square and outside municipal offices in Ankara, voicing their opposition and emphasizing compassion and solidarity over hostility. The protests highlight widespread public concern about the potential implications for animal welfare.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who now needs to sign the measure into law, expressed appreciation to the legislators who supported it. Meanwhile, the opposition has indicated its intention to challenge the legislation in the Supreme Court, aiming to overturn the law or push for significant amendments.
While the new law primarily focuses on managing the stray dog population, it does not address the issue of stray cats, which also number in the millions in Turkey. The government estimates there are around 4 million stray dogs in the country, underscoring the scale of the challenge the legislation seeks to address.
Sources By Agencies
