Turkiye's Controversial Stray Dog Legislation Faces Final Vote Amidst Protests

A Turkish parliamentary commission approved a bill to regulate Turkiye's large stray dog population, raising concerns among animal rights advocates. The bill mandates collecting, neutering, and euthanizing certain dogs. Opposition groups claim it targets opposition mayors and lacks funding provisions. Activists call for existing regulations to be properly implemented.

A Turkish parliamentary commission has greenlit a bill aimed at controlling the country's substantial stray dog population, a decision that has alarmed animal rights advocates worried about the potential killing of these dogs and the risk of neglected shelters.

The 17-article bill, endorsed late Tuesday, has ignited a clash between animal rights groups and advocates for safer, dog-free streets. It now awaits a final vote from the full assembly, though its discussion before the summer recess remains uncertain.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose ruling party proposed the legislation, estimates Turkiye hosts around 4 million stray dogs. Despite their generally harmless nature, there has been a spate of attacks by dogs in packs. The bill mandates municipalities to collect strays, and either house, neuter, or euthanize them based on health and behavior criteria. Failure to manage stray populations will result in penalties for mayors. Critics, however, argue against potential misuse of euthanasia clauses and the absence of dedicated funding for shelters.