“The Budget Exists But the Animals Are Still Dying”
A Powerful Speech by Nimet Özdemir
In a moving and courageous address to parliament, Nimet Özdemir spoke on behalf of millions of silenced lives Türkiye’s street animals. With clarity, determination and moral strength, she asked the question that no authority has yet answered:
“If billions are allocated to protect them, why are they still dying?”
A Budget Written in Numbers and Lost Lives
Despite billions of lira being officially allocated for the rehabilitation of street animals, the reality on the ground tells a different story. According to figures revealed by Nimet Özdemir, ₺1.8 billion was allocated for 2025, yet only 1.83% of that budget has been used — meaning ₺98 out of every ₺100 remains untouched. A further ₺2 billion has already been set aside for 2026, but without action, that too risks becoming just another number on paper.
While this money sits unspent, shelters continue to collapse under pressure and animals are dying.
Özdemir posed crucial question to the government: Where has the budget gone?
Law Exists But It Is Being Ignored
Özdemir reminded parliament that the law clearly assigns moral and legal duties. Illegal breeding continues. Municipalities are pressured to collect dogs not to care for them.
Makeshift living spaces with fencing and containers are replacing registered rehabilitation centres. Police and gendarmerie accompany mass collections. This is not animal welfare it is removal.
These actions directly violate the principles and implementation articles of the law including Articles 1, 6, 7, and 15–20.
Adoption Made Almost Impossible
Instead of encouraging adoptions, new regulations have made it nearly unreachable for regular citizens. Even Özdemir herself admitted:
“I couldn’t even adopt as an individual. I had to do it under a company”
Dogs are being removed from sight but not given a chance at life.
What She Demanded
Her speech ended not with complaint but with a call to action.
✔ Transparency in budget spending
✔ Publication of neutering, adoption & mortality statistics
✔ A stop to illegal breeding
✔ Protection of Article 6 the right of animals to live where they were born
✔ Adoption procedures that empower citizens, not block them
“What Is Your Problem with the Silent Servants of My Lord?”
Nimet Özdemir ended with a powerful question, one that cannot be ignored:
“Why are they silent? Why are lives being ignored?”
Her words were not only political. They were moral. Spiritual. Human.
She spoke not only for street animals but for every citizen who carries compassion in their heart.
The Animals Are Silent. We Are Not.
Nimet Özdemir broke the silence and a movement is growing. Two lives are at stake in this battle:
Human lives carers, volunteers, community workers on the verge of despair.
Animal lives abandoned, forgotten, and yet still waiting for mercy.
The budget is there.
The law is there.
What is missing is the will.
A Note on Independence
We are not affiliated with any political party, organisation, or government body. Our advocacy is rooted solely in compassion, evidence, and the urgent need to protect both animals and the people who care for them. Our only agenda is welfare, not politics.