The controversial stray animal law, allowing for the euthanasia of those deemed incurably ill or aggressive, was passed at the end of July 2024. Furthermore, mayors who do not comply with the new regulations face up to two years in prison. However, there are doubts among the public, which could lead to serious problems in the tourism industry.
Rabid dogs in Turkey? The government decided to eliminate the problem
According to "Wprost", this involves about four million dogs, and there are more and more videos online showing numerous graves and animals surrounded by people. Consequently, animal rights activists from various countries have become involved in the issue. Activists from the UK are doing everything they can to bring at least some of them to their country. Meanwhile, Burhanettin Bulut from the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) emphasizes that his party was against the law, which has been referred to from the beginning as the "massacre law". He also calls on the government to end actions that result in the deaths of innocent creatures.
"We have all seen the horrific footage of dogs being shot, beaten, poisoned, left to die of starvation in shelters, and buried in mass graves. No law (...) can approve such actions" - he said, as quoted by Bankier. The brutality of these actions has also been highlighted by activists who called on tourists to join the "Boycott Turkey" campaign.
We receive reports and videos directly from activists all over Turkey, so we started the 'Boycott Turkey' campaign
- said British activists Hayley Ashford and Bagdat Ozarslana. It seems their efforts have been successful, as some people have canceled their reservations.
Protests in Turkey due to the order to kill stray dogs. Tourists refuse to visit
Tourists have indeed begun canceling their trips, assuring that they will never return.
I WILL NEVER visit Turkey again! This is absolutely wrong and barbaric. Shame on you, Turkey!
- wrote one tourist, quoted by "Wprost". However, authorities explain that the law was introduced for the safety of residents and visitors due to numerous dog attacks on people and an increase in rabies cases.
This law was not passed to carry out the slaughter of defenseless animals. It is a law that tries to protect animal lives, not facilitate their killing. This is not a law for mass extermination
- said Vahit Kirisci, a deputy from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). The government also claims that the law is about placing stray dogs in shelters, not killing them. Unfortunately, local facilities can only accommodate 105,000 animals, while approximately four million are living on the streets.
Over 1,000 municipalities don't even have shelters, so where will they place them?
- activists ask. According to Bianet, there are even more stray dogs, nearly 10 million.
