Turkey's Stray Dog Dilemma: New Law Stirring Controversy

Turkey's interior minister has vowed to enforce a controversial law aimed at removing millions of stray dogs after a 2-year-old died in Konya. Passed last summer, this legislation faces widespread criticism for potentially leading to killings or poor conditions in shelters.

Turkey's Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya has made a firm commitment to implement a contentious law mandating the removal of millions of stray dogs from the streets. The enforcement drive, announced Sunday, follows the tragic death of a 2-year-old girl attacked by strays in Konya.

The law, criticized by animal rights groups as a 'massacre law', was approved last summer but its enforcement has been sporadic, leading to unruly populations in urban and rural areas. In a video message, Yerlikaya warned municipal authorities to act, promising to exercise his full legal authority if they did not comply.

The legislation, which also includes measures for neutering, sheltering, and euthanizing some strays, has sparked protests both nationally and across Europe. Critics argue previous regulation failures have exacerbated the issue, and fear the new law may become a political tool against opposition lawmakers.

(With inputs from agencies.)