One Year of Turkeys “Massacre Law”: A Year of Broken Promises and Cruelty
It has been one year since the controversial animal law—dubbed by many as the “Massacre Law”—came into force in Turkey. This law, which was intended to be a humane measure to control the stray dog population, has instead led to widespread suffering, abuse, and the deaths of countless innocent dogs.
When the law was first introduced, municipalities were given until 2028 to build adequate shelters to house and care for stray dogs. However, this policy was abruptly changed to a directive that all dogs must be collected immediately—regardless of whether shelters had the capacity to take them in.
The result?
Overcrowded, underfunded facilities, and an alarming increase in reports of abuse and unnecessary killing.
From "Only the Untreatable" to the Systematic Killing of the Innocent
The law clearly stated that only dogs with untreatable illnesses should be euthanized. Yet, reports from across Turkey tell a different story. In Bolu, blind dogs were killed, despite their conditions being neither untreatable nor a threat to public safety.
Aggressive dogs could legally be put to sleep, but whistleblowers have revealed that in some shelters all pit bulls are being killed, even when they show no aggression at all.
Perhaps most shockingly, we have received testimonies from shelter workers who were instructed to kill dogs simply to make space, so more strays could be brought in.
Private Shelters Silenced and Shut Down
Private shelters, which have historically offered safety and compassion to dogs, have been banned from allowing adoptions—the very process that gives dogs a chance at life—and numerous shelters have since been forced to close their doors. This has stripped away one of the last lifelines for stray dogs in Turkey.
Abuse and Death During Collections
The cruelty does not end within shelter walls.
Videos and eyewitness reports have surfaced showing horrific abuse during the collection process.
Dogs have been poorly handled while many have died from overdoses of sedatives used during darting.
These deaths are the direct result of negligence and disregard for animal welfare.
We Stand Against Cruelty
At Dog Desk Animal Action, we are deeply disappointed with how this law has unfolded.
We do not want to see dogs left on the streets, struggling to survive in unsafe conditions—but we absolutely cannot align ourselves with the cruelty that has unfolded.
Stray dogs deserve care, compassion, and a chance to live—not systematic extermination.
The situation in Turkey is dire.
We will continue to plead for an end to these inhumane practices.
The dogs of Turkey deserve better.
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Together, we can give the dogs of Turkey the future they deserve.