Turkey’s Controversial Stray Dog Bill Sparks Outcry

by Jon Scaccia June 21, 2024

Turkey is currently embroiled in a heated debate over a controversial bill proposed by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). The bill aims to address the country’s stray dog problem by euthanizing millions of strays if they are not adopted within 30 days of being placed in shelters. This proposal has sparked a significant backlash from animal rights activists and surprising critics, including Fatih Erbakan, leader of the Islamist New Welfare Party.

Opposition from Unexpected Quarters

Fatih Erbakan, known for his overtly Islamist views, has emerged as a vocal opponent of the bill. He argues that the proposal contradicts the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed, stating, “The life granted by the Almighty Allah can only be taken by the Almighty Allah.” Erbakan’s stance challenges the stereotype that Muslims view dogs as undesirable and are prone to cruelty towards them.

Erdogan’s Defense and Rationale

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, however, defends the bill, citing public safety concerns. He points out that many in society want the stray dog issue resolved to make streets safer, particularly for children. Erdogan highlights the ineffectiveness of the current method of capturing, sterilizing, and releasing stray dogs, noting that in the past five years, there have been 3,543 traffic accidents and numerous injuries linked to stray dogs. Rabies is another significant concern.

Public Outcry and Historical Parallels

The proposed bill has triggered widespread protests and brought to mind the historical event of 1910, when thousands of stray dogs were sent to an islet off Istanbul and left to die, an act followed closely by the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Critics question whether a similar fate might befall Erdogan’s administration if the bill is passed.

The Size of the Problem

Activists argue that Turkey’s stray dog problem is the result of decades of mismanagement, neglect, and corruption within private charities. The country has an estimated 4 million stray dogs, far more than in Europe or the United States, making comparisons with Western countries inappropriate. Critics warn that the bill would lead to the mass euthanasia of strays, as few are likely to be adopted amid economic hardships.

Activist Voices and Animal Welfare Concerns

Banu Aydin, a prominent animal rights activist, emphasizes the scale of the problem, citing the high number of pit bulls in Istanbul alone. Despite a 2021 law banning the breeding and ownership of dangerous dog breeds, the issue persists. Reports of abuse in municipality-run shelters further fuel the opposition. For instance, in 2022, a shelter employee was filmed beating a stray dog to death, resulting in arrests.

Government’s Animal Rights Record

Ironically, it was the AKP that introduced Turkey’s first comprehensive animal rights bill in 2004, banning the killing of stray dogs except under specific conditions. Currently, euthanasia is only permitted for animals diagnosed with rabies or displaying aggressive behavior. Turks across the ideological spectrum take pride in the fact that stray animals are not commonly euthanized, unlike in Britain or the United States.

Future of the Bill

The Turkish Veterinarians Union has already declared its refusal to comply with the bill, calling it unethical and inhumane. There are indications that the government might revise the proposal to focus on euthanizing only rabid and aggressive dogs, while neutering and releasing harmless ones. As the bill awaits parliamentary discussion, activists like Aydin remain hopeful it will be scrapped. She is even prepared to personally appeal to the president to prevent what she views as a cruel act.

Conclusion

The fate of Turkey’s stray dogs hangs in the balance as the nation grapples with this contentious issue. The debate highlights broader concerns about animal welfare, public safety, and the ethical responsibilities of the government.