Animal rights activists have intensified protests against a proposed law in Turkey that could lead to the mass euthanasia of stray dogs, urging parliament to reject what they describe as a “massacre bill.”
MetroPOLL Research recently conducted a survey revealing that nearly 79 percent of the population supports putting stray animals in shelters rather than euthanizing them. Only 2.7 percent of respondents believe the animals should be euthanized. The survey indicates widespread opposition to the bill, which is currently being debated by the Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Affairs Committee of the Turkish parliament.
The proposed legislation, introduced by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), seeks to round up stray dogs and put them in shelters until they can be adopted. Aggressive or incurably ill dogs would be euthanized. Critics argue this approach is inhumane and unnecessary, advocating instead for a mass neutering campaign.
Animal rights groups, including the Life for Animals Initiative, have been vocal in their opposition. They staged a protest in front of the Süreyya Opera House in İstanbul, chanting slogans like “Vote no to the massacre,” “Withdraw the law” and “Do not be a part of the massacre.”
“The proposed legislation violates the most basic ethical principles and scientific standards, infringing on the animals’ right to life,” the activists said in a statement. “It is disgraceful that we have reached a point where citizens, rights defenders and professional organizations have to say ‘no’ to a massacre bill.”
MetroPOLL’s survey results show strong support across political lines for sheltering stray dogs. Among AKP supporters, 73.9 percent favor sheltering, while 81.4 percent of main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) supporters, 74.7 percent of far-right AKP ally Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) supporters, and 78.2 percent of pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) supporters share this view. The survey also found that 95 percent of respondents are against the mass euthanasia of stray animals.
CHP leader Özgür Özel, in a joint press conference with Democracy and Progress Party (DEVA) leader Ali Babacan, expressed strong opposition to the bill, calling it a “red alert” issue for his party.
“This bill essentially tells municipalities to kill stray animals,” Özel said. “CHP municipalities will not comply, but many others will. The bill’s vague language poses a threat to disabled animals as well. We will continue our fight against this proposal.”
Babacan echoed Özel’s sentiments, highlighting the need for a humane solution that respects animal rights. “We must find a solution without compromising on animal rights. This is a difficult issue, but it is essential,” Babacan said.
The proposed law requires municipalities to allocate at least 0.3 percent of their annual budget to animal rehabilitation services and shelter construction, with a deadline of 2028 for new shelters and improvements to existing ones. The bill has been criticized for potentially leading to the unnecessary euthanasia of healthy animals and failing to address the root causes of the stray dog population problem, such as irresponsible pet ownership and insufficient neutering programs.
As the debate continues in parliament, animal rights activists vow to keep up their protests until the bill is withdrawn. They plan to form a “chain of life” in Kadıköy Square at 7 p.m. local time on Wednesday.
The proposed legislation is expected to be reviewed by the Turkish parliament’s Environment Committee next week.