On Sunday, September 1, 2024, Istanbul witnessed a significant demonstration as thousands gathered to voice their opposition to recently enacted legislation targeting stray dogs in Turkey. The protest comes in response to a law passed last month, which aims to address what President Recep Tayyip Erdogan termed the country's "stray dog problem."
The new legislation, approved in August 2024, mandates municipalities to collect stray dogs from streets and house them in shelters. There, the animals are to be vaccinated, neutered, and spayed before being made available for adoption. However, the law also allows for the euthanasia of dogs deemed to be in pain, terminally ill, or posing a health risk to humans.
Protesters, brandishing signs with slogans such as "shelters are death camps" and "withdraw the bloody law," expressed deep concerns about the potential consequences of this legislation. Hasan Kizilyatak, a 64-year-old demonstrator, emphasized the need for immediate repeal, stating, "They (stray dogs) are living beings, just like us. We are here because we are against them being annihilated."
Interestingly, even supporters of the ruling party joined the protest. Ayten Arslan, a 55-year-old AK Party supporter, drew parallels between this demonstration and the public's response to the 2016 coup attempt, saying, "Just like we stood beside our president on July 15 (2016) when there was a coup attempt, we are here for the stray animals."
The government estimates that approximately 4 million stray dogs roam Turkey's streets and rural areas. While most are harmless, there have been reports of attacks on humans, including children. The Safe Streets and Defense of the Right to Life Association reported that since 2022, 65 people have died due to street dog attacks.
Critics of the law raise concerns about the ability of cash-strapped municipalities to build and maintain the necessary shelters. There are fears that some local authorities might resort to euthanizing dogs under the pretext of illness rather than allocating resources for their care.
"This law could lead to indiscriminate killing of stray animals under the guise of public safety."
It's worth noting that Turkey has a long and complex relationship with stray animals, particularly in urban areas. Istanbul, for instance, is renowned for its large population of stray cats, which are often considered an integral part of the city's culture. In 2012, the city launched an innovative project installing vending machines that dispense food and water for strays in exchange for recycled bottles.
The country passed its first animal protection law in 2004, and many cities have implemented trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs for stray animals. The concept of "mahalle" (neighborhood) in Turkish culture often includes caring for local strays, reflecting a deep-rooted connection between communities and these animals.
As the debate continues, the main opposition Republican People's Party has moved to repeal the law in the Constitutional Court. The outcome of this legal challenge and the government's response to the public outcry will likely shape the future of Turkey's approach to managing its stray animal population.