Cruelty in Turkey

Short Documentary on Cruelty in Turkey #thereisanimalmassacreinturkey

Social media accounts shared disturbing images and videos of injured or neglected animals at Kaşlı Hayvan Bakımevi, sparking major concern about the welfare conditions there. These visuals quickly went viral and drew widespread criticism and public outcry.

We are writing to express grave concern regarding serious violations of animal welfare laws and the systematic mistreatment of stray animals at the Osmangazi Municipality Stray Animal Rehabilitation Center in Bursa, Turkey. These incidents have deeply wounded public conscience and necessitate urgent attention and intervention.

In May 2025, Turkey's Constitutional Court upheld a contentious law mandating the removal of stray dogs from public areas, a decision that has sparked significant concern among animal rights advocates. The legislation requires municipalities to capture stray dogs, place them in shelters, vaccinate, neuter, and offer them for adoption. Dogs deemed terminally ill or dangerous may be euthanized. 

The Truth Behind the Death of 6-Year-Old Fatma El Muhammed

Contrary to initial reports, 6-year-old Fatma El Muhammed—a Syrian child whose body was discovered near her home in Ankara last week—did not die as a result of a dog attack, but as the victim of a brutal act of abuse.

Allegations of a horrific act of animal cruelty have sparked nationwide outrage following the emergence of a video that reportedly shows stray dogs being sedated and buried alive by Erzincan Municipality workers.

The death of Ülker Güleryüz, an 81-year-old resident of Ankara’s Altındağ district known for feeding and caring for stray dogs, has raised serious concerns among Turkey’s animal rights community. Güleryüz lost her life in a house fire on February 18, 2025, just hours after being targeted on social media for her efforts to support local stray animals.

Four months have passed since the implementation of the Animal Massacre Law, and despite the continued prohibition of animal torture, we have witnessed numerous instances of abuse and mass killings by public officials and workers in shelters, as well as by individuals emboldened by the law.

Before highlighting the violations community animals faced in November, we would like to remind you of two significant legal breaches from earlier this month.Before highlighting the violations community animals faced in November, we would like to remind you of two significant legal breaches from earlier this month.

On Oct. 11, 30 dogs, 14 cats, and one crow were found dead in trash bags outside an animal shelter of the Gebze Municipality in Turkey’s northwestern Kocaeli province.

The move came after the Turkish parliament passed a bill in July aiming to round up millions of stray dogs, and possibly kill them amidst the objections of animal advocates. The bill was proposed by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Eros was a quiet, gentle cat born in the safety of an apartment building. He spent his short life peacefully in the building’s car park, lovingly cared for and fed by the residents. He harmed no one—only watched the world quietly from his corner.

But one day, his path tragically crossed with that of İbrahim Eroğlu.

Findings indicate that only 273 municipalities have shelters, while at least 26 operate without a license. Meanwhile, 838 municipalities either confirmed they lack shelters or refused to provide information on the subject.

Dogs have been a prominent part of Turkish culture for centuries. The Kangal Shepherd breed is a national treasure featured on postage stamps, and some strays have become local celebrities, like Boji, who earned fame for riding Istanbul’s public transportation.

But this year, Turkey’s stray dogs have become a contentious political issue.