Türkiye
Animal Welfare Groups Protest As Dog Collections Expand Across İzmir
Animal welfare organisations gathered in İzmir to protest what they say is a significant increase in the collection of free-roaming dogs across the province. Campaigners alleged dogs have been removed from university campuses, parks, hospitals and other public spaces following a recent meeting between the Governor’s Office and local municipalities. Protesters argued that healthy dogs are being collected before sufficient long-term shelter capacity is available and vowed they would not allow İzmir to become a graveyard for dogs.
HAYTAP Criticises İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Over Dog Collections
HAYTAP’s İzmir representative, Esin Önder, has criticised İzmir Metropolitan Mayor Cemil Tugay, alleging that free-roaming dogs cared for by volunteers are already being collected despite new shelter facilities not yet being completed. Önder claimed collection operations accelerated following a meeting at the Governor’s Office and questioned whether commitments made before the local elections had been honoured.
İzmir Continues Construction Of 2,500-Dog Animal Care Centre
İzmir Metropolitan Municipality is continuing construction of a major animal care facility in Dikili with capacity for up to 2,500 dogs. The centre will include veterinary treatment, surgery, rehabilitation units and extensive outdoor exercise areas, and is expected to serve both Dikili and neighbouring districts as municipalities expand their animal management infrastructure.
Ordu Mayor Alleges Dogs Are Being Dumped Across District Boundaries
Speaking during an Ordu Metropolitan Municipality Council meeting, Akkuş Mayor İsa Demirci alleged that neighbouring districts are transporting dogs into his district and abandoning them in forested areas. He said the animals later enter towns in search of food after being left in unfamiliar surroundings. Ordu Metropolitan Mayor Mehmet Hilmi Güler responded that municipalities have a legal responsibility to implement the country’s stray dog legislation while the Metropolitan Municipality continues providing veterinary services.
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