Urgent Call to Stop the Culling of Stray Dogs in Turkey
Millions Of Dogs Face Culling In Turkey As Massacre Law Comes In To Effect
Last year’s controversial Turkish animal control legislation, commonly referred to as the “massacre law,” has now been put into effect. Although the law allows until 2028 for the construction of animal shelters, local leaders have been instructed to immediately start rounding up stray dogs, despite the lack of available housing facilities for them.
The lack of adequate facilities to accommodate the dogs has led to a troubling directive for shelter workers, who are being instructed to cull dogs already housed in shelters to create space for the newly captured strays according to whistle-blowers.
This revelation has sparked significant outrage among animal rights advocates, veterinarians, and concerned citizens alike, who argue that such actions are both inhumane and ineffective. They advocate for alternative solutions, such as spaying and neutering programs, which are seen as more ethical and sustainable ways to manage stray dog populations. The exposure of this practice has prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability from the authorities, urging them to reconsider their approach and work towards more humane methods of addressing the issue.
When sterilized dogs are removed, new unsterilized and abandoned animals quickly repopulate the area, creating an endless cycle of killing. Instead of solving the issue, culling merely depletes financial resources while failing to provide a sustainable or humane outcome.
Beyond its inefficacy, culling has severe emotional and psychological consequences. Animal welfare workers, veterinarians, and compassionate citizens who have dedicated their time and resources to sterilizing and caring for these animals are now left feeling helpless. The trauma of witnessing the slaughter of innocent animals contributes to compassion fatigue, anxiety, and depression—further exacerbating mental health struggles in affected communities.
The solution to Turkey’s stray dog population lies in humane and science-based approaches, including:
Widespread spay and neuter programs to gradually and effectively control population growth.
Stronger animal welfare policies to prevent pet abandonment.
Public education initiatives promoting responsible pet ownership.
Community-based programs that involve local residents in humane population management.
Animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, and concerned citizens worldwide urge the Turkish government to reconsider this inhumane and ineffective policy. We call for an immediate halt to the culling and the implementation of sustainable, ethical, and scientifically backed population control methods.
The situation has been made worse due to a new directive that limits the adoption of animals from public shelters and prohibits adoption from animal charities, thereby increasing the likelihood of culling dogs that could otherwise find dependable and caring homes.
Michelle Robertson, Dog Desk Animal Action director says ” Nobody wants to see dogs living on the streets but we need laws that work in everybody’s favour. We are particularly concerned about the adoption ban & would like to see that decision reversed immediately”
Join Us in Taking Action
We encourage individuals to support humane solutions by raising awareness and advocating for responsible pet management policies. We are urging the Turkish government to reconsider the ban on adoption with our petition which can be found here
