How Not To Shelter Stray Dogs
Turkey's President Wanted A European Style Dog Management Model. That is not what he got.
In 2023, President Erdogan initiated a campaign to address what he described as Turkey's stray dog problem
His plan was to have all stray dogs removed from the streets, placed in suitable shelters, and eventually adopted into loving families.
He referenced the European model for managing stray dogs, expressing Turkey's intent to follow a similar approach.
We found this initiative promising, as we also wish to see an end to the suffering of dogs on the streets.
While we had some concerns regarding the effectiveness of its implementation, we remained optimistic that he would successfully manage the transition.
Credit Merhaba Gazetesi
The president did not get what he asked for.
This is Konya a space of some 17 acres which aspires to accommodate 7,000 stray dogs.
It is divided into 13 sections, each covering 5,000 square meters, intended to provide space for around 550 dogs per section.
Despite being labelled a "natural living space," the environment seems far from natural when observed closely.
Free roaming shelters offer a wonderful environment for dogs, but it's crucial to approach this with care.
Simply taking dogs off the streets and placing them in an enclosure isn't a solution.
These dogs are unfamiliar with their surroundings and each other, which can lead to issues.
Our free roaming pack was formed gradually, with dogs that had established relationships.
New arrivals are introduced slowly, with their behaviour closely monitored by an experienced shelter manager.
Without this careful management conflicts are bound to happen, leading to injuries or even fatalities.
Shelters housing a large number of free-roaming dogs must prioritize concrete floors for several reasons.
At Maram, the dogs are currently kept on dirt, making it incredibly challenging to maintain cleanliness.
The sheer amount of waste produced by so many dogs is overwhelming.
To ensure the health of the dogs, the entire area needs to be thoroughly cleaned and hosed down at least twice daily.
Failure to do so can lead to the rapid spread of disease, and the accumulation of waste attracts flies that carry diseases.
Ensuring a clean and hygienic environment is crucial for the well-being of the dogs.
When rain arrives, the area will swiftly transform into a mud pit, bringing along numerous health concerns.
The stagnant water and damp conditions can lead to the proliferation of mosquitoes, which are known carriers of diseases like heartworm.
I am genuinely concerned about the welfare of the dogs here. It seems that not all of them are spayed or neutered, as many lack the ear tags that would identify them as sterile.
This raises questions about their living arrangements—are they separated into male and female groups to prevent unintended mating? If not, will they be allowed to mate freely?
Another pressing issue is the environment in which these dogs might give birth. How would pregnant dogs build nests and give birth in such a barren, unnatural setting.
I find the situation & risks to both the mother and her babies are concerning and distressing.
I have seen an aerial view of the shelter, which unfortunately I don't have permission to share.
I'm concerned about the number of huts available for the dogs to take shelter in.
It gets very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter, and each dog needs to have a hut allocated to ensure they are shielded from the weather.
It's crucial that the dogs have adequate protection from extreme temperatures to ensure their well-being.
Proper shelter is not just about comfort, it's about survival.
Ensuring an adequate number of food and water troughs is crucial in any area that accommodates a large population of dogs.
Regular maintenance of water troughs is necessary to keep them clean and always filled with fresh water.
The same level of care should be extended to food troughs.
It's a well-known fact that hungry dogs are prone to fighting, highlighting the importance of consistent feeding.
Additionally, during the colder winter months, providing extra food is essential to help keep the dogs warm and prevent them from suffering.
Seeing dogs warehoused like this is incredibly distressing. The idea of showcasing these living conditions to the world is even more troubling.
I foresee a tragic outcome in shelters like this, where many dogs will lose their lives.
The conditions are ripe for disease, hunger, and dehydration, but most heartbreakingly, they will suffer from fighting due to the overcrowding and lack of enrichment. My heart aches for the stray dogs of Turkey who are being forced into such dreadful places.
The overcrowding in these shelters poses severe risks to the dogs' well-being, leading to stress-induced aggression. The absence of adequate care and resources creates an environment where survival becomes a struggle. The spread of diseases in such unsanitary conditions is a ticking time bomb, threatening the lives of these innocent animals.
This situation calls for urgent attention and action to improve shelter conditions and ensure humane treatment. It's crucial to raise awareness and advocate for sustainable solutions to prevent such distressing scenarios. My thoughts are with all the dogs enduring these hardships, and I hope for a change that will provide them with the care and respect they deserve.