Dogs Kept In Poor Conditions In Ceylanpınar Municipal Shelter
The recent emergence of heart breaking images depicting dogs enduring severe suffering at the Ceylanpınar Municipal Shelter has sparked outrage on social media.
Just two years ago, there was a glimmer of hope when the President spoke in 2023, promising to alleviate the plight of street dogs by placing them in shelters and facilitating their adoption through a European stray dog management model.
However, the current situation, marked by suffering on an unprecedented scale, is not acceptable & as far removed from a European stray dog management model as you can get.
The municipality is facing serious allegations for its failure to provide adequate shelter from the heat, leaving dogs vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
Additionally, there are accusations of neglect in providing sufficient food and water, as well as withholding necessary veterinary care.
My Ibrahim Kaya, friend to people, animals & nature & well respected in the community is at the shelter right now as I write.
His report is damning, adding that dogs with mange, a highly infectious skin condition are moving freely with unaffected dogs. He also states that males & females are not separated, many entire & ready to mate with disastrous consequences.
Visitors to the shelter have reported alarming evidence of several dogs appearing to be in a state of dying, highlighting the critical need for immediate intervention and improved conditions.
Our extensive experience with large, free-ranging packs grants our opinions significant weight. After reviewing a brief clip of the dogs, I made several observations.
One dog appeared to be limping, yet overall, the dogs seemed physically healthy.
However, there was no shaded area, such as a canopy, which is less than ideal. Even a small covered section can provide essential relief from the sun.
The clip did not show any signs of overcrowding, and although basic, the wooden huts seemed adequate for their purpose. Being made of wood, a poor heat conductor, these huts offer the dogs a refuge from harsh weather.
The absence of concrete flooring is concerning. Dirt cannot be effectively cleaned, and maintaining hygiene is critical for infection control. Furthermore, when it rains, the ground will become muddy, causing discomfort for the dogs.
I couldn't see any water or food troughs, raising questions about how the dogs are fed and if they have access to water. At the shelter project, numerous water containers are regularly replenished with fresh drinking water several times a day, it is a priority.
What troubled me most was seeing a puppy among the adult dogs. Although it appeared to be with its mother, this situation is far from ideal. Despite public perception, adult dogs can harm a puppy, and in dire situations where they are starving, they might even resort to eating the pups. It's a grim reality that I have unfortunately witnessed first hand.
Credit Ibrahim Kaya
The mayor was promptly contacted to address the concerns and find solutions for the dogs that were suffering.
It is alleged that the mayor claimed the shelter in question was not under his jurisdiction.
Subsequently, the doors were closed to visitors, and a 24-hour security presence was established to guard the gate, preventing anyone from entering the facility.
As of now, there has been no statement released by the municipality.
The situation at the shelter is concerning, and it's clear that a lack of understanding regarding the needs of dogs is a primary issue.
It's essential to involve animal advocates in the planning and implementation of these shelters because they possess the necessary knowledge about what dogs truly need. Municipalities need to leverage this expertise.
If insufficient funds and manpower are the root of inadequate care, alternative solutions must be explored. When 0.5% of a municipality's budget is insufficient to maintain high-standard shelters, consider seeking overseas aid or inviting local and regional businesses to contribute. Engage the community by giving them a sense of ownership and encourage animal lovers to volunteer at shelters, this would make a significant difference.
Moreover, it's time to move away from barren enclosures masquerading as natural habitats. The dogs deserve far better conditions, and together we can make a positive change for them.
Let's take action and save their lives!