Turkey is facing a critical moment. A proposed bill by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) aims to euthanize millions of stray dogs across the country.

This move has sparked outrage and protests from animal rights activists and concerned citizens alike.

We need your help to stop this inhumane action and implement more compassionate solutions.

The Problem

Turkey's streets are home to an estimated four million stray dogs. These animals have become beloved members of many communities, cared for and fed by residents. However, the government now sees them as a threat to public safety, citing numerous road accidents and attacks on people¹. The proposed bill would see these dogs rounded up, held in shelters for 30 days, and euthanized if not adopted².

A Cruel Solution

The mass euthanasia plan is a drastic departure from Turkey's existing policies, which focus on capturing, sterilizing, and releasing street dogs. Critics argue that the government has failed to effectively implement these programs, leading to the current crisis³. The Turkish Veterinarians Union has already declared that its members will not participate in mass euthanizations, calling the practice unethical and inhumane⁴.

Voices of Opposition

The proposed bill has been condemned by leaders across the political spectrum. Fatih Erbakan, leader of the Islamist New Welfare Party, stated that the bill violates Islamic teachings on the sanctity of life. Animal rights activists have pointed to the horrific precedent set in 1910, when thousands of dogs were left to die on an islet off the coast of Istanbul, leading to widespread public outrage¹.

A Better Way: Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR)

We believe there is a better, more humane way to address the stray dog population. Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) programs have proven effective in controlling stray animal populations and preventing the birth of new strays. This method involves capturing the dogs, sterilizing them, vaccinating them, and then releasing them back into their communities. TNR programs not only reduce the number of strays over time but also address public health concerns by vaccinating the animals⁴.

Community and Cultural Impact

Street dogs are an integral part of Turkey's cultural fabric. They bring communities together and are cared for by residents, creating a unique bond between people and animals. The proposed mass euthanasia plan threatens to destroy this important aspect of Turkish life¹. By adopting humane solutions like TNR, we can preserve this cultural heritage while effectively managing the stray dog population.

Take Action Now

The fate of millions of street dogs hangs in the balance. We must act now to prevent this inhumane bill from becoming law. Join us in calling for humane solutions that respect both public safety and animal welfare.

Sign the petition today to urge President Erdoğan and the AKP to adopt Trap, Neuter, and Release programs instead of mass euthanasia. Together, we can create a safer, more compassionate future for Turkey's street dogs.

More on this issue:

1. Amberin Zaman, Al-Monitor (18 June 2024), "Turkey's street dogs face mass cullings as Erdogan touts euthanization bill."
2. Adam Samson and Funja Güler, Financial Times (7 July 2024), "Turkey divided over mass cull of 4mn street dogs."
3. Alexander Christie-Miller, The Guardian (30 June 2024), "Erdoğan’s plan to cull Turkey’s street dogs will destroy far more than just animals."
4. Victoria Craig, BBC (5 July 2024), "Rescue street dogs, or euthanise them? Turks split over its strays."