Backlash intensifies over Turkey’s stray dog ‘massacre’ leaving millions of dogs dead

Millions of stray dogs in Turkey are facing a grim fate as the government implements a controversial new law requiring their removal from the streets and, in many cases, euthanasia. The legislation passed at the end of July, has sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country.

Images and videos circulating on social media have documented the scale of the killings, with reports of people hunting down stray dogs following the law’s enactment. The law was introduced by President Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AK Party in response to concerns over attacks, road accidents, and rabies, with Turkey estimated to have around 4 million stray dogs.

While the law's primary aim is to move stray dogs into shelters, it stipulates that animals displaying aggressive behavior or suffering from untreatable diseases will be put down. However, with only 322 animal shelters in the country, accommodating up to 105,000 dogs, there are fears that the capacity is insufficient, leading to the mass euthanasia of strays.

Despite strong opposition, the bill passed with 275 votes in favor and 224 against. President Erdogan, in defending the law, stated that the national assembly had responded to the concerns of the public, despite opposition campaigns against the legislation. The law also mandates that all municipalities allocate at least 0.3% of their annual budgets to animal rehabilitation and the construction or upgrading of shelters, with a deadline of 2028.

Animal rights activists, however, have criticized the legislation, arguing that neutering campaigns should be intensified instead. The opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) has vowed to challenge the law in the Constitutional Court, with senior CHP deputy Murat Emir condemning the legislation as morally and legally flawed.

The law has prompted thousands to take to the streets in protest, with demonstrators clashing with police and carrying banners reading "You cannot kill them" and "Take back the law." In Turkish towns and cities, residents often care for street animals, providing makeshift shelters, food, and water. A survey revealed that while only 3% of the population supports euthanizing stray dogs, nearly 80% prefer placing them in shelters.