The parliament is poised to discuss the proposed amendments to the Animal Protection Law by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). The amendments, which include provisions for the euthanasia of stray animals, have been met with significant criticism from animal rights advocates.
Bianet – Tuğçe Yılmaz / 24 May 2024
According to media reports, the proposed changes include the following measures:
- Each municipality will photograph dogs in their shelters and post these images on newly established websites to facilitate adoption.
- The photographs will remain on the website for a specified period, planned to be 30 days.
- Adopted dogs will be tracked with implanted chips.
- Dogs not adopted within 30 days will be euthanized by injection.
- New dogs will be brought into the shelters to replace those adopted or euthanized, continuing this cycle.
“Fascism needs enmity towards animals”
Perihan Koca, spokesperson for the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, shared her concerns with bianet: “The bill allegedly talks about the mass killing of street animals, claiming it will be done ‘painlessly and humanely.’ As with everything else, they are trying to present this to the public with a religious veneer. This is unbelievable. There is no explanation for this from the standpoint of science, conscience, or humanity.”
“Euthanizing is killing”
The Life for Law Initiative, a coalition of activists and NGO representatives, has issued a statement calling for public support and participation in their protest: “Once again, we are facing the risk of massacre and isolation of street animals, who are city residents just like us. We need your support and participation in our action to make their voices heard and reach the authorities.”
The Union of Bar Associations of Turkey also released a statement, condemning the proposed law: “Euthanasia is another name for killing. If this law passes, an unprecedented massacre of animals in our country’s history will be inevitable. Street animals, who have been a part of these lands for centuries and are described as ‘dear friends’ whenever possible, deserve better than death warrants or isolation in death camp-like shelters.
“If the street animal population is indeed a problem, the solution is a coordinated spaying and rehabilitation campaign by all relevant institutions. Establishing spaying centers in neighborhoods and especially rural areas is necessary and sufficient.”
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