logo

Home

/

News & Stories

/

Pet News

Turkey Greenlights Law to Eliminate Stray Dogs, Opposition Fights Against 'Massacre Law'

author

Rithani

Follow

4 min read

31 Jul, 2024

1 Like

Stories-img

Turkish legislators have passed a controversial law aimed at removing millions of stray dogs from the country’s streets, sparking concerns among animal rights activists that the law could lead to mass killings or result in neglected, overcrowded shelters.


The law's passage follows a tense and lengthy parliamentary session, with the government pushing to have it enacted before the summer recess.


President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has defended the legislation, asserting that it addresses the growing threat posed by stray dogs, which the government estimates number around 4 million. While many of these dogs are harmless, incidents of pack aggression and attacks have increased.


Image Source: Unsplash


The law does not address Turkey’s large stray cat population. Under the new law, municipalities are required to capture stray dogs, house them in shelters, and provide vaccinations and neutering before offering them for adoption. Dogs that are terminally ill or pose health risks to humans will be euthanized.


However, critics question how municipalities, many of which are cash-strapped, will fund the necessary expansion of shelter facilities.


Image Source: Unsplash


The law, which has been dubbed the “massacre law” by its critics, imposes penalties on mayors who fail to comply with its provisions. This has raised fears that the legislation could be used to target opposition mayors who gained significant ground in recent elections.


The main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has vowed not to implement the law and is considering challenging it in the supreme court.


Protests have erupted across the country, with thousands rallying against what they see as a morally and ethically flawed piece of legislation. Protesters are calling for the repeal of the law, urging the government to focus on life and solidarity instead of culling strays.


Click here to read more about the 'massacre law'

Must readPet Stories
Understanding a dog's threshold for stress and reactivity is key in behavior modification'

Understanding a dog's threshold for stress and reactivity is key in behavior modification'

26 Sep 2024

Unveiling the Secret Social Lives of Fish: Do Fish Have Friends?
FISH

STORIES

Unveiling the Secret Social Lives of Fish: Do Fish Have Friends?

18 Sep 2024

Keep Your Cat Happy This Janmashtami: Essential Tips for a Stress-Free Festival

Keep Your Cat Happy This Janmashtami: Essential Tips for a Stress-Free Festival

26 Aug 2024

Your Ultimate Guide to Shih Tzus: Everything You Need to Know!
DOGS

STORIES

Your Ultimate Guide to Shih Tzus: Everything You Need to Know!

16 Jun 2024

For your daily dose of happiness, follow us on

vectorvectorvector
logo

Stay updated with the pet industry

Subscribe Now

Download our pet-parent app

dog
dog

© Excitado Innovations Pvt Ltd