Clashes in Istanbul, protesters demand repeal of law allowing culling of stray dogs
Istanbul.- This Sunday, September 1, thousands of people gathered in Istanbul to protest against recent legislation passed in Türkiye.
The new law, which came into effect last month, aims to Elimination of stray dogs from Turkish streetsciting security concerns.
You might be interested in: Do you know these 5 tiny animals that inhabit our planet?
This legislation has generated strong opposition among animal rights activists and citizens concerned about its impact.
Concerns about the future of stray dogs, slaughter and overcrowded shelters
The protesters They fear that the law will lead to the killing of stray dogs or that these animals end up in overcrowded shelters and with health problems.
Critics argue that the law will not only put animals’ lives at risk, but could also result in inadequate conditions in shelters.
Signs at the protest included messages such as “Shelters are killing fields” y “withdraw the bloody law”.
The president justifies the law against stray dogs
The President Recep Tayyip Erdogan defended the law, saying it is necessary to address the “problem of stray dogs” in the country.
However, Protesters have called for the immediate repeal of the lawarguing that dogs are living beings that deserve protection.
Hasan Kizilyatak, a 64-year-old participant, expressed his opposition saying:
They are living beings, just like us. We are here because we are against their annihilation.
Ayten Arslan, 55, who also supports President Erdogan, joined the protest.
Arslan said:
Just as we supported our president on July 15 (2016) during the coup attempt, we are here for the stray animals. As an AK supporter, I say that this law is a bloody law.
Opposition seeks to repeal law amid concerns about its application
The main political opposition, the Republican People’s Party, has taken the law to the Constitutional Court to attempt to annul itless than two weeks after its approval.
The law stipulates that municipalities must collect stray dogs, vaccinate them, sterilize them and offer them for adoption.
Dogs that are sick, in pain or pose a risk to human health will be euthanized.
However, the legislation has raised concerns about the ability of municipalities to build the necessary shelters and finance their operation.
Animal rights activists fear some municipalities may resort to culling dogs under the pretext of illness to avoid the costs of keeping them in shelters.
Videos on social media show animal abuse, increasing criticism of the new law
According to the New York Post, videos showing dead cats and dogs buried in ditches have been circulating on social media, heightening concerns about the law’s implementation.
You might be interested in: Man finds puppy in the rain, rescues him and now they are best friends (VIDEO)
Activists claim that these videos show a indiscriminate and violent treatment of animals since the passage of the legislation.
