Stray Dogs in Turkiye: Tense Parliamentary Debate on Controversial Bill

A tense debate unfolded in the Turkish parliamentary commission on Wednesday over a controversial bill aimed at managing the country's substantial stray dog population, a move that animal rights advocates fear could lead to widespread killings.

Submitted by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party, the legislation has divided opinions. Proponents advocate for safer streets free of feral dogs, while animal rights activists demand the bill's withdrawal.

President Erdogan has highlighted the danger, citing approximately four million stray animals across Turkiye, with increasing incidents of dog attacks. The revised bill mandates municipalities to shelter, neuter, and euthanize aggressive, sick, and rabid dogs while improving shelter conditions by 2028.

(With inputs from agencies.)