Thousands in Istanbul protest new stray dog ​​law, fear mass slaughter

Thousands of protesters gathered in Istanbul on Sunday to oppose a controversial new law targeting stray dogs, which animal rights activists fear could lead to mass slaughter across Turkey.

The legislation, passed last month, mandates the removal of millions of stray dogs from Turkish streets, citing public safety concerns.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan defended the law, saying it was necessary to tackle the country’s “stray dog ​​problem”.

Protesters, however, believe the law could lead to widespread euthanasia of stray dogs or force them into overcrowded and unsanitary shelters. Protesters carried signs reading “Shelters are death camps” and “Withdraw the bloody law”, demanding the law be repealed immediately.

“We want this law withdrawn immediately,” said 64-year-old protester Hasan Kizilyatak. “They (stray dogs) are living beings, just like us. We are here because we are against their extermination.”

The main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party, challenged the law in the Constitutional Court, calling for its repeal less than two weeks after it was passed.

Government estimates indicate that there are approximately 4 million stray dogs in Turkey. While most are harmless, there have been several reports of attacks on people, including children.

A report by the Safe Roads and Right to Life Association claims that 65 people have lost their lives in dog attacks since 2022.

The new law requires municipalities to pick up stray dogs, house them in shelters and ensure they are vaccinated, spayed and neutered before they are put up for adoption. Dogs judged to be in pain, terminally ill or posing a health risk to humans will be euthanized.

Many question how cash-strapped municipalities will find the resources to build the additional shelters they need. Animal rights groups warn that some municipalities may resort to killing dogs under the pretense of illness to avoid housing costs.

Videos circulating on social media show dead animals buried in ditches, with activists claiming they were killed after the law was passed. The original draft of the bill included provisions on stray cats, but this was removed after a public outcry.