Türkiye to euthanize 10 million stray dogs after a surge of attacks on locals in the country. The country is facing a major problem and a backlash from locals.
These extreme measures are coming out of Turkiye After numerous dog attacks on people in Ankara, a draft regulation was created providing for the euthanasia of homeless pets.
Approximately 10 million stray dogs live in Türkiye.
Türkiye to euthanize 10 million stray dogs
Ankara expects a huge backlash from animal rights groups, however, the government has suggested it has no choice.
The Turkish government has drafted new legislation aimed at removing stray dogs from the streets, citing concerns about attacks, road accidents, and the spread of rabies.
However, this move has struck a nerve among animal-loving Turks who fear it could result in the euthanization of many dogs.
Authorities are to blame for letting dog numbers surge
The bill, set to be presented to the Turkish parliament in the coming days, has also drawn objections from the main opposition party, which is firmly opposed to dogs being put down.
Sayar and other activists say authorities are to blame for letting dog numbers surge due to insufficient neutering in the last 20 years, describing the plan as unworkable.
“They say they will collect the dogs from the streets, but there is no capacity to take them all,” she said at a shelter she set up for dogs – many lame, old or abandoned pets – unable to survive in the countryside where she also cares for strays.
Pro-government media have highlighted dog attacks and said the bill envisaged putting down stray dogs unclaimed after 30 days at a shelter. But a survey by pollster Metropoll said only 2.7% of respondents supported euthanization.
One option is each family could adopt a dog each and give it a home. Charities should support this venture and help individuals adopt a dog this summer.
Activists evoke a previous, grim attempt to deal with the issue in 1910, when 80,000 dogs were sent to an islet off Istanbul, dying of hunger, thirst or killing each other.
Animal Rights Federation Chairman Ahmet Kemal Şenpolat said the solution was nationwide neutering. “We want the population to be decreased, but in a humane way,” he said. But he did not condone the problem of the reason behind why Türkiye to euthanize 10 million stray dogs.