In Turkey, stray dogs have been a cultural staple for centuries. However, a new law has sparked controversy as it aims to move millions of these dogs to shelters, some facing euthanasia, raising both cultural and political concerns.
The law mandates that municipalities gather stray dogs, place them in shelters, and permit the euthanization of aggressive or ill animals. There are fears that this law could be misused to target political opponents of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Critics are also worried about overcrowded shelters and inadequate resources to care for the estimated 4 million stray dogs in Turkey. The new regulations do not address the need for more veterinarians or better shelter conditions.
The controversial law, seen by many as politically motivated, has sparked protests across Turkey, with opposition parties refusing to implement it. Animal welfare groups have dubbed it the “massacre law” and are advocating for better treatment of stray animals.
This article originally appeared in The New York Times.