Turkey has recently enacted a new piece of legislation, dubbed the “massacre law” by its critics, which mandates the removal of millions of stray dogs from the streets. This move, supported by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is intended to address what the government calls the country’s “stray dog problem.” However, the law has been met with significant backlash from animal rights groups, opposition lawmakers, and the public.
The legislation, which has been formally approved, requires municipalities to collect stray dogs, house them in shelters, and ensure they are vaccinated, neutered, and spayed before making them available for adoption. Dogs deemed to be suffering, terminally ill, or posing a health risk to humans are to be euthanized. The government estimates that around 4 million stray dogs currently roam Turkey, with increasing numbers forming dangerous packs and leading to occasional attacks.
Critics argue that the new law could lead to widespread euthanasia or neglect of these animals. Humane Society International has expressed deep concerns, asserting that the legislation will result in “unnecessary suffering and death” and does not provide a long-term solution to the issue of stray dogs. They have reached out to President Erdogan to voice their objections.
Financial and Ethical Concerns
A major point of contention is the financial burden the law places on municipalities, many of which are already struggling with limited resources. Critics, including veterinarian Turkan Ceylan, fear that the lack of adequate shelter facilities will lead to the killing of strays rather than their humane treatment. “There are very few shelters in Turkey,” Ceylan stated. “This law opens the door to the killing of strays.”
Protests erupted across Turkey in response to the new law. In Istanbul’s Sishane Square, demonstrators rallied against what they describe as a “massacre law,” emphasizing their commitment to opposing the legislation. Similar protests occurred in the capital city of Ankara and in cities across Europe, where concerns were raised that the law might deter tourism to Turkey.
Political and Public Reactions
The main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has vowed to challenge the law in Turkey’s Supreme Court, labeling it as morally and legally flawed. Murat Emir, a senior CHP deputy, criticized the law’s provisions for healthy and non-aggressive animals, questioning the rationale behind collecting such animals only to potentially kill them.
In contrast, the Justice and Development Party (AKP), led by Erdogan, views the bill as a response to public demand for improved safety. Ali Ozkaya of the AKP described the law as a “demand of the nation.”
The legislation also imposes significant penalties for local officials who fail to enforce its provisions, including potential prison sentences of up to two years. This has led to concerns that the law could be used to target opposition mayors who refuse to comply.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc has defended the bill, asserting that the government does not intend for it to result in widespread culling. He emphasized that any unjustified killing of strays would be met with legal consequences.
Community and NGO Perspectives
The new law has intensified debates about animal welfare and public safety. Murat Pinar, who leads an association advocating for measures to control stray dogs, cites statistics of attacks and accidents involving dogs, including the tragic death of his daughter, Mahra. Pinar argues that the law is necessary to prevent such incidents, despite the ethical concerns raised by animal rights advocates.
During the legislative discussions, some non-governmental organizations were reportedly barred from observing the proceedings, raising additional concerns about transparency and fairness in the legislative process.
As the law moves forward, it remains to be seen how its implementation will unfold and whether the widespread opposition and legal challenges will impact its future.
