No More Lost Shepherds: Tracking Dogs to End Abandonment and Save Lives

Across rural Turkey, shepherd dogs have long played a vital role in protecting livestock and supporting farmers. Yet, these loyal animals often face a grim reality—abandonment. When they are no longer needed, many are dumped in remote areas, left to fend for themselves, and ultimately absorbed into the ever-growing stray population to which they contribute as they are not sterilised. This cycle fuels conflict between communities and stray animals, increases the risk of disease, and leaves countless dogs to suffer alone.

The new microchip and vaccination initiative in Turkey offers hope—and a solution

Identity That Saves Lives

For the first time, shepherd dogs in are being microchipped and registered through the PETVET system. This small chip gives each dog a permanent identity, linking it to its owner and making abandonment far more difficult. If a dog is found wandering, authorities can trace it back to its handler, holding owners accountable and ensuring the animal is not simply discarded.

Dog Desk Animal Action has long called for this measure—tracking dogs is one of the most effective ways to prevent them from being dumped and swelling stray populations. The microchip acts as both a deterrent to irresponsible ownership and a lifeline for the dog.

Vaccination: Protecting Dogs and Communities

Alongside microchipping, free rabies vaccinations safeguard both the dogs and the people around them. In rural areas, where dogs interact closely with livestock and families, this step is critical. Vaccination prevents deadly outbreaks and promotes public health, while also ensuring the animals themselves remain healthy and cared for.

Ending the Cycle of Abandonment

For years, unregistered shepherd dogs have been abandoned when they were no longer considered useful. These dogs often form new packs, struggle to survive, and sometimes come into conflict with humans. Worse, some fall victim to mass roundups or culling—outcomes driven by fear rather than compassion.

By giving these animals an identity, it breaks this cycle. It prevents shepherd dogs from being dumped, protects them from harm, and reduces the stray population humanely.

A Humane Model for All of Turkey

This initiative is not just a local success—it is a blueprint for what humane animal welfare policy can look like across Turkey. It combines prevention, accountability, and care—the very values that Dog Desk Animal Action advocates at every level of government.

When dogs are tracked and cared for, communities benefit. Stray populations decrease without cruel measures, and public trust in animal welfare grows.

Real Change Needs Real Backing

While this positive step forward is a beacon of hope, it cannot thrive in isolation. For years, Dog Desk Animal Action has championed measures to protect shepherd dogs and prevent abandonment—but without consistent support, even the most promising progress can fade away.

How much longer can we continue this fight if those driving change are left without the help they need?

True transformation for dogs does not come from words alone. It comes from action—from rescues carried out in the dead of night, from vaccinations that prevent suffering, from sterilisation programs that control populations humanely, and from tireless advocacy that forces policies to evolve.

To keep making a difference, we need you standing with us.

Be Part of the Solution

The future of shepherd dogs, and of stray populations across Turkey, depends on action. You can help ensure this progress continues:

• Share this story to encourage humane solutions nationwide.

• Support us to protect animals and end abandonment.

💔 No dog should ever be discarded and forgotten.
💚 With your help, we can ensure no shepherd puppies are born to stray.