Turkey Stray Dog Population Crisis: Controversial Euthanasia Bill Divides Public Opinion

In a nation where stray dogs are a common sight and often cherished by the community, Turkey is currently embroiled in a heated debate over a proposed bill that could lead to the euthanasia of unadopted stray dogs. The bill, drafted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP), is set to be introduced to the Turkish parliament in the coming days. It has sparked significant controversy among animal rights activists and the general public.

The proposed legislation mandates that stray dogs be collected and sheltered for 30 days. If they are not adopted within this period, the bill permits their euthanasia. This approach has been met with fierce opposition from animal rights groups and many Turkish citizens who are concerned about the ethical implications and the practicality of such measures.

A recent survey by Metropoll found that only 2.7% of respondents supported euthanizing stray dogs, reflecting widespread public disapproval of the measure. Animal rights advocates argue that the solution lies in more effective sterilization and rehabilitation programs rather than euthanasia​. Critics of the bill also point out that many municipalities lack the necessary infrastructure to handle the influx of dogs that would result from the bill’s implementation.

Turkey’s struggle with stray dogs is not new. The country has a deep historical bond with these animals, which are often fed and cared for by local communities. However, the problem has been exacerbated by decades of mismanagement and insufficient sterilization efforts. According to the Turkish Veterinary Medical Association, only about one-third of the nation’s municipalities have shelters, and even fewer have effective sterilization programs.

The issue gained prominence in late 2021 when Erdoğan ordered municipalities to round up stray dogs after a series of attacks on children. This directive was quietly shelved due to public outcry, but the recent resurgence of the issue has brought it back into the spotlight.

Turkey’s economic crisis, with inflation reaching 75% this year, adds another layer of complexity to the problem. The cost of maintaining and expanding shelters, along with providing necessary medical care and sterilization, poses a significant financial burden on the government and local authorities. Dr. Gülay Ertürk, President of the Turkish Veterinarians Association, noted that the costs associated with spaying, neutering, and vaccinating stray animals are substantial, and many municipalities have not allocated the required budget for these activities​.

Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary measure to address public safety concerns. Over the past five years, stray dogs have been linked to 55 deaths, more than 5,000 injuries, and 3,500 traffic accidents​​. Proponents also point to similar practices in Europe and the United States as models for managing stray animal populations, despite significant differences in the scale of the problem and public attitudes​.

As Turkey prepares to debate this controversial bill, the nation remains deeply divided on how to best address its stray dog population. While the government contends with economic challenges and public safety concerns, animal rights activists continue to advocate for humane and sustainable solutions that do not involve euthanasia.

The coming days will be crucial in determining the fate of Turkey’s stray dogs and setting a precedent for how the country balances animal welfare with public safety and economic constraints.