AP News
7 May 2025
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.
Critics, including the main opposition party and various animal welfare organizations, argue that the law could lead to widespread culling due to insufficient shelter capacity and funding. They fear that financially strained municipalities might resort to euthanizing animals under the pretext of illness or danger.
The court's decision has intensified public protests, with demonstrators accusing the government of enabling mass killings of stray animals. Despite the backlash, the government maintains that the law is necessary to address public safety concerns related to the estimated four million stray dogs in the country.
This ruling places increased pressure on municipalities to implement the law amid ongoing public dissent and skepticism.