A new law has been approved by the Turkish government that strives to remove over millions of stray dogs from the streets of Turkey. Undoubtedly, this gives rise to concerns among the animal rights activists. The opposition lawmakers too question the new law.
As per the Turkish government, there exist over 4 million stray dogs roaming in the rural regions and streets of Turkey.
The Humane Society International expressed its concern by writing to Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Turkey by saying that the law would lead to "unnecessary suffering and death" to the millions of animals in a "short-term fix that won't deliver a long-term solution".
The New Stray Dog Law of Turkey- Explained
Over 275 votes went in favor of the bill and 225 votes went against it In the coming days, the full assembly will be having a final vote.
As per the new law, the municipalities will collect stray dogs from the rural areas and streets and keep them in shelters to be vaccinated, neutered, and spayed. After that, they will be made available for adoption. However, animals that are sick or in pain will be euthanized.
As per the new law, all the municipalities will have to spend a minimum of 0.3 percent of their annual budget on animal rehabilitation services. The amount will also be used to create and upgrade shelters.
What will happen if the stray dogs are not controlled in an area? Well, in situations like these, mayors who could not meet the responsibilities related to the law will be required to face imprisonment of over six months to two years. People who abandon pets will be fined with an amount of 60,000 lira. The fine before the law was 2,000 lira.
As per the bill, there are a total of 322 animal shelters holding a capacity for about 105,000 dogs. This number of the animal shelters is actually way too far less than the required number of animal shelters.
The reaction
Opposition leaders and veterinarians have raised concerns over how would the government be able to find enough money for the municipalities struggling with money to create the extra shelters.
The decision has been hailed by many leaders the opposition. Animal advocates too are strictly against the rule.
However, Ali Ozkaya of the AKP talks in favor of the bill, calling it the "demand of the nation". Moreover, Ibrahim Yumakli also expressed by calling the bill an "adoption" law, rather than a "massacre".
To protest against the law, thousands of people took to the streets of Turkey in the past few weeks.
The animal rights groups and opposition leaders are of the view that a mass neutering would prove to be a better solution. However, Erdogan's AKP is of the view that it is actually too late for it.
The issue of dogs in Turkey
President Erdogan of Turkey expressed that the stray dogs in Turkey attack adults, children, and the elderly, along with attacking other animals. The stray dogs also attack flocks of goats and sheep. Additionally, the excessive number of stray dogs in Turkey also lead to traffic accidents.
As per reports, since the year 2022, over 75 people have passed away due to attack by dogs or traffic accidents caused by dogs. Also, 44 of these 75 were actually children who lost their lives.
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