Stop the Inhumane Murder of Turkey's Street Dogs
11,741 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site
Millions of street dogs in Turkey face a cruel fate under a proposed euthanasia bill. Join us to demand humane solutions!
Turkey is facing a critical moment. A proposed bill by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) aims to euthanize millions of stray dogs across the country.
This move has sparked outrage and protests from animal rights activists and concerned citizens alike.
We need your help to stop this inhumane action and implement more compassionate solutions.
The Problem
Turkey's streets are home to an estimated four million stray dogs. These animals have become beloved members of many communities, cared for and fed by residents. However, the government now sees them as a threat to public safety, citing numerous road accidents and attacks on people1. The proposed bill would see these dogs rounded up, held in shelters for 30 days, and euthanized if not adopted2.
A Cruel Solution
The mass euthanasia plan is a drastic departure from Turkey's existing policies, which focus on capturing, sterilizing, and releasing street dogs. Critics argue that the government has failed to effectively implement these programs, leading to the current crisis3. The Turkish Veterinarians Union has already declared that its members will not participate in mass euthanizations, calling the practice unethical and inhumane4.
Voices of Opposition
The proposed bill has been condemned by leaders across the political spectrum. Fatih Erbakan, leader of the Islamist New Welfare Party, stated that the bill violates Islamic teachings on the sanctity of life. Animal rights activists have pointed to the horrific precedent set in 1910, when thousands of dogs were left to die on an islet off the coast of Istanbul, leading to widespread public outrage1.
A Better Way: Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR)
We believe there is a better, more humane way to address the stray dog population. Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) programs have proven effective in controlling stray animal populations and preventing the birth of new strays. This method involves capturing the dogs, sterilizing them, vaccinating them, and then releasing them back into their communities. TNR programs not only reduce the number of strays over time but also address public health concerns by vaccinating the animals4.
Community and Cultural Impact
Street dogs are an integral part of Turkey's cultural fabric. They bring communities together and are cared for by residents, creating a unique bond between people and animals. The proposed mass euthanasia plan threatens to destroy this important aspect of Turkish life1. By adopting humane solutions like TNR, we can preserve this cultural heritage while effectively managing the stray dog population.
Take Action Now
The fate of millions of street dogs hangs in the balance. We must act now to prevent this inhumane bill from becoming law. Join us in calling for humane solutions that respect both public safety and animal welfare.
Sign the petition today to urge President Erdoğan and the AKP to adopt Trap, Neuter, and Release programs instead of mass euthanasia. Together, we can create a safer, more compassionate future for Turkey's street dogs.
- Amberin Zaman, Al-Monitor (18 June 2024), "Turkey's street dogs face mass cullings as Erdogan touts euthanization bill."
- Adam Samson and Funja Güler, Financial Times (7 July 2024), "Turkey divided over mass cull of 4mn street dogs."
- Alexander Christie-Miller, The Guardian (30 June 2024), "Erdoğan’s plan to cull Turkey’s street dogs will destroy far more than just animals."
- Victoria Craig, BBC (5 July 2024), "Rescue street dogs, or euthanise them? Turks split over its strays."
The Petition:
Dear President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Members of the Justice and Development Party,
We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the proposed bill to euthanize millions of stray dogs across Turkey. We acknowledge the challenges posed by the large stray dog population, but we firmly believe that mass euthanasia is not the answer. Instead, we urge you to adopt humane and sustainable solutions such as Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR).
Stray dogs are an integral part of our communities, cherished and cared for by many citizens. Their presence in our neighborhoods contributes to our cultural heritage and fosters a sense of compassion and responsibility. We understand the need to address public safety and health concerns; however, these objectives can be achieved through more humane and effective methods.
Why Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR)?
- Humanity: TNR is a compassionate approach that allows dogs to live their lives without reproducing, gradually reducing the population over time.
- Effectiveness: Studies have shown that TNR programs are successful in controlling stray animal populations and preventing the birth of new strays.
- Public Safety: TNR includes vaccinations, reducing the risk of rabies and other diseases, making our streets safer for everyone.
- Community Engagement: TNR programs encourage community involvement, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and care for our animals.
We urge you to reconsider the proposed bill and instead implement nationwide TNR programs. These programs should include:
- Comprehensive Sterilization: Ensuring all captured strays are neutered and vaccinated.
- Public Education: Raising awareness about the importance of neutering and responsible pet ownership.
- Support for Shelters: Providing adequate funding and resources for existing and new shelters to care for stray dogs humanely.
By adopting TNR and other humane methods, Turkey can lead by example in addressing the stray dog issue with compassion and efficiency. These actions will ensure a safer, healthier, and more humane future for both our citizens and our beloved street dogs.
Thank you for considering our plea for a more humane approach to this pressing issue. Together, we can create a better future for all.
Sincerely,
