As summer’s sweltering heat began to blanket Istanbul, an unusual and passionate crowd gathered in Yenikapi on June 2, 2024. Approximately 10,000 residents from all walks of life convened to protest a controversial legislative proposal from the Turkish government that could lead to the widespread culling of stray dogs. Holding signs emblazoned with slogans like "Stop animal cruelty" and "No to the massacre!", the demonstrators united under a common cause: defending the rights of their community's four-legged residents.
The outrage erupted after Turkish lawmakers, under the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), introduced a draft law aiming to humanely curb the population of stray dogs. This involved the controversial practice of euthanasia for unclaimed canines after a 30-day holding period. Such a proposal sparked fierce opposition, reminiscent of a painful chapter in Turkish history when tens of thousands of dogs were infamously rounded up and exiled to Hayirsızada—a remote island—where many perished in dire conditions.
The current proposal struck a painful chord with many Turks, as it appeared to threaten not only the lives of the stray dogs but also the very ethos of compassion historically embedded in the culture. "The street animals we share our streets with are under great threat," declared one of the rally's organizing committee speakers, articulating a sentiment echoed by many Turkish citizens who regularly provide for strays.
Historically, Istanbul has been home to a vast population of stray animals, cared for by local residents who see these creatures as part of their urban community. Stray dogs roam freely through the city, supported by people's generosity—community members often leave out food and water for them. Turkey’s relationship with its stray animals is deeply rooted in the country’s history, echoing values from the days of the Ottoman Empire, where protecting animals was regarded as a virtue.
The AKP’s new law proposes that municipalities will be responsible for removing stray dogs from streets, placing them in shelters until they can be adopted. Previously, a leak of an earlier version of the bill alarmed the public as it contained a provision allowing the euthanasia of all street dogs within a month, which was subsequently withdrawn due to public backlash and disapproval from various political factions. The latest version now seeks to reframe the discussion, with Abdullah Güler, chair of the AKP's parliamentary group, insistently arguing that "Streets are not a space for dogs to live. But they have the right to live in more qualified shelters." However, many see this as a thin veil over the grim reality of potential systemic slaughter.
Activists like Ece Ergin, an HR professional at the rally, passionately remind the public that their efforts are crucial not only for the strays themselves but reflect the values of compassion that should define Turkish society. “Look, we are all real people here, not what the government media says about us being some ‘crazy minority,’” Ergin remarked, highlighting the widespread belief among citizens that humane methods such as sterilization and vaccination should be prioritized over euthanasia.
The veterinary community in Turkey is weighing in as well, with the Turkish Veterinary Association declaring that rabies cases have been on the decline and that mass euthanasia is not a necessary strategy for addressing public health concerns. Instead, they argue that a vaccination campaign targeting 70% of the dog population is the proper course of action.
Public concerns continue to be politicized, with the AKP painting stray dogs as a societal menace. The narrative has been used effectively by the party during the 2024 local elections, as candidates claimed that strays represent a significant threat to public safety, without substantiating these claims with evidence. It’s a tactic reminiscent of the state’s previous scapegoating of various groups during periods of social unrest. In the eyes of many, dogs have become a referendum on the governance of the country.
Cultural attitudes towards animals in Turkey have historically been characterized by benevolence. The Ottoman Empire served as a period marked by notable animal advocacy initiatives, including the establishment of shelters and medical care for strays, a principle many critics of the current law argue should not be forsaken in favor of euthanasia. However, the 2010 public outcry over mass dog killings serves as a stark reminder that the stain of cruelty can linger within societal memory.
Moreover, the implications of the proposed law extend beyond animals; they delve into broader issues of political maneuvering and social class dynamics. Rapid urbanization and economic disparity in Turkey have created a complex relationship between communities and stray animals. The government’s framing of street dogs using negative rhetoric often maligns lower socio-economic classes, implying that neglectful pet ownership is the root of this crisis, thus misplacing the responsibility away from more systemic issues, such as poverty and lack of education on responsible pet ownership.
Animal rights advocates stress that it’s not merely about preserving stray dog populations but ensuring a humane and ethical approach to domestic animals. They call for comprehensive sterilization campaigns, public awareness initiatives about responsible pet ownership, and stricter penalties for those who abandon their pets. The 'Safe Streets and Right to Life Association' has championed these alternatives, yet their advocacy faces substantial uphill battles against government narratives that seek to vilify strays.
The intensity of the ongoing backlash indicates a society that is firmly united against such drastic measures. With public sentiment heavily against euthanasia, as underscored by a recent poll where only a minuscule portion of respondents supported the culling of strays, the AKP's plan faces an uphill battle both in policy and public perception.
What unfolds within the halls of the Turkish parliament over the coming weeks will be critical for the future of stray animals in Türkiye. Many hope that the outrage witnessed in the streets will translate into concerted political action, compelling lawmakers to prioritize humane solutions over historical cycles of violence against vulnerable members of society.
As one fervent protester eloquently concluded during the rally, “We have a moral duty to protect those who cannot protect themselves.” This statement resonates deeply within a society that has long viewed its strays as integral components of its culture and history. The blossoming unity among the Turkish public could very well become a pivotal moment in the modern landscape of animal rights and cultural identity in Turkey.