Istanbul’s Veterinarians Speak Out Starving Stray Animals Is Not a Solution
On November 18, 2025, the Governor of Istanbul, Mr. Davut Gül, made a troubling statement about stray animals that has sparked serious concern among animal rights advocates, veterinarians, and citizens. By criticizing the feeding of stray cats and dogs and suggesting that feeding them disrupts the balance of nature his remarks risk legitimizing hostility toward street animals and potentially violating Law No. 5199 on the Protection of Animals.
A Dangerous Interpretation of Nature
Mr. Gül claimed that feeding cats prevents them from catching mice and that “they feed together,” implying that cats should be left hungry so they return to hunting. This approach is not only scientifically inaccurate it directly threatens the right to life of stray animals.
Cats do not hunt primarily to feed themselves. Their hunting behaviour is instinctual, not nutritional. The popular phrase the cat playing with the mouse comes from this very reality. Moreover, urban mouse populations are most effectively controlled through territorial dominance, not hunger. Cats and dogs play a vital ecological role in deterring rodent populations simply by existing within a territory.
In fact, countries that have reduced or eliminated their stray cat and dog populations have seen mouse outbreaks leading to public health concerns.
The Legal Perspective: Law No. 5199 Is Clear
According to Article 14(a) of Law No. 5199:
“It is prohibited to intentionally mistreat animals, to leave them hungry and thirsty, to expose them to extreme cold and heat, to neglect their care, and to cause them physical and psychological pain.”
Encouraging starvation even indirectly through public statements contradicts not only the letter of the law but also its spirit. Stray animals are protected by law, and their care is an obligation not a choice.
Istanbul’s Historical and Cultural Legacy at Risk
Istanbul’s cats are not merely residents, they are symbols of the city itself. For centuries, they have been part of Istanbul’s identity, culture, tourism, and ecological stability. Stray animals are deeply rooted in our traditions. Feeding them is not an act of interference, it is a value passed through generations.
To suggest that feeding them should stop is to deny both science and culture.
Istanbul’s cats are the culture, history, and conscience of this city.
Scientific Facts That Cannot Be Ignored
Cats do help control rodent populations primarily through territorial dominance.
Rats are nocturnal and fear dogs more than cats, meaning both species are necessary for ecological balance.
Recommendations from the Istanbul Chamber of Veterinary Physicians
1. Authorities should refrain from making statements that could promote the starvation or collection of street animals.
2. Sterilization and care efforts must be accelerated in line with the “live in place” principle outlined in Law No. 5199.
3. Citizens should avoid giving raw or spoiled food to animals, feeding must be responsible and safe.
4. Istanbul’s cats and dogs must be formally recognized as essential ecological actors, and future policies should reflect this.
The Real Solution: Science, Compassion, and Law
The mouse problem cannot be solved by starving cats, it will only worsen it. Stray animals do not threaten Istanbul. Neglecting them does.
Instead of promoting fear and hunger, Istanbul must invest in sustainable, scientific, and humane solutions:
Sterilization
Vaccination
Feeding stations
Veterinary care
Community education
It is not hunger that protects a city
it is knowledge, compassion, and responsibility.
Stray animals deserve protection not punishment.
They belong to Istanbul.
They are part of our balance, our culture, and our humanity.
Starving animals does not lead to more hunting it leads to suffering, illness, and aggressive behaviour.
Forcing all stray cats into homes is impossible and unethical, cats are semi-domesticated and many thrive only in open environments.
Stray animal populations are best controlled through sterilization, vaccination, and humane care, not abandonment or hostility.
Dog Desk Animal Action is grateful for the Chamber for speaking out & advising regarding the feeding ban in Istanbul. We thank them for their sensitivity & professional evaluation.