The Silenced
Across Turkey, animal rescuers, the people who feed, heal, and protect street dogs and cats are being silenced.
They work quietly, often alone, moving through the streets at night so that no one sees them.
They hide their feeding routes and speak only in whispers.
They are not criminals.
They are people who love.
Yet, in today’s climate, compassion has become dangerous.
Why They Are Silenced
Social hostility has created a world where rescuers live in fear.
Feeding stray animals is banned in many provinces. Shelters are being shut down and demolished.
Rescuers are harassed, threatened, and sometimes physically attacked by members of the public for caring.
Speaking out publicly, sharing photos, or asking for help can make things worse.
Dogs have disappeared after posts went out.
Even talking about their fear can lead to more danger.
That is why they are The Silenced not because they have nothing to say,
but because saying it could cost lives.
Why We Could Not Include Them in Our Charity Takeover
When Dog Desk Animal Action ran our recent charity takeover, many supporters asked why we didn’t feature rescuers from Turkey directly.
The answer is simple and devastating.
They cannot appear.
They cannot show their faces or share their names.
To do so would put them, their families, and the animals in their care at serious risk.
Every rescuer we know has asked for protection, not publicity.
We honour that request.
Their safety comes before visibility.
What Is Happening to Them
Across Turkey, the situation for independent rescuers has reached breaking point.
Shelters are being forcibly closed and animals removed.
Volunteers are threatened and even assaulted by the public for feeding dogs or cats.
Online hate campaigns target rescuers as troublemakers.
Feeding stations stand empty because using them risks punishment.
Many rescuers now go out only at night, when the streets are empty.
They carry food in bags that look like rubbish, so no one suspects what they’re doing.
They work in silence, praying to get home safely.
The psychological toll is immense.
Rescuers describe constant anxiety, sleepless nights, and a deep sense of helplessness.
They have seen dogs they raised from puppies taken away and never returned.
Some have fallen ill from stress.
Others have simply broken.
Still, they go on.
Because the dogs have no one else.
What We Are Doing to Support Them
Dog Desk Animal Action cannot break their silence — but we can amplify their truth.
1. The Silenced Campaign
Our campaign, The Silenced, gives voice to those who cannot speak safely.
Through art, music, and testimony, we are sharing their stories anonymously, protecting their identities while showing the world what is happening.
🕯️ 2. The Silenced Day
On 26th October, supporters across the world will hang lanterns to bring light to a rescuer’s life.
Each lantern represents someone still working in the shadows a silent act of defiance and solidarity.
It costs nothing to join in, but it means everything to those who feel forgotten.
3. The Song: The Silenced
We created a song that tells their story a quiet anthem for those who keep caring even when it’s no longer safe to do so.
Every share spreads awareness, every listen keeps their story alive.
How You Can Help
Hang a lantern on The Silenced Day, you can do this on our lantern tree here its free to use
Use the hashtags #TheSilenced #WeKeepTheirNames #CompassionIsNotACrime
Talk about what’s happening, be their voice where they cannot.
Support our work
We Keep Their Names
They cannot speak, so we will.
They cannot be seen, so we will stand where they would have stood.
For every rescuer who feeds in the dark,
for every shelter closed,
for every life saved in silence
we will keep their names, and we will keep the light on.
#TheSilenced #WeKeepTheirNames #CompassionIsNotACrime