The video depicts the scenario of an elderly woman being knocked over by one of the many stray dogs on the streets of Istanbul. This type of encounter is common and is frequently shared on social media in Turkey.
These incidents often ignite feelings of anger among Turks who have grown frustrated with aggressive stray dogs, creating a divide between those who want to address the issue and those who sympathize with the homeless dogs.
In response to the frequent attacks by stray dogs, activists have pushed for government legislation to control the population of strays.
“We want streets without dogs!” is a popular rallying cry.
However, the proposed measures have sparked backlash from animal rights advocates due to their controversial nature.
The bill, set to be presented to parliament soon, proposes capturing homeless animals en masse, followed by sterilization or spaying. If a stray dog is not adopted within 30 days, it will be euthanized.
With Turkey reportedly having a stray dog population of four million, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized the need for more drastic measures to address the issue of stray dogs.
Turkey is considered a “high-risk” country for rabies, which has been linked to an increase in rabies cases and dog-related accidents in the country.
Concerns have been raised that the legislation could lead to a mass culling of dogs under the guise of public safety, prompting protests against the bill in Istanbul.
Animal rights activists have drawn parallels between the current situation and a tragic event in Ottoman history, where thousands of strays were abandoned on an island, resulting in a gruesome outcome.
– ‘Make the streets safe’ –
Animal rights organizations advocate for more humane solutions such as effective sterilization programs and the establishment of shelters across municipalities in Turkey. However, the lack of resources and infrastructure hinders the implementation of these measures.
While acknowledging the importance of sterilization in controlling the stray dog population, officials admit that the current efforts are insufficient to make a significant impact.
In response to the mounting controversy, President Erdogan emphasized the urgent need to address the issue to ensure public safety, particularly for children.
The Turkish Veterinary Association opposes any plans for euthanizing strays, advocating for a more compassionate approach focused on sterilization.
Meanwhile, instances of dog attacks continue to concern the public, with reports of individuals being injured by stray dogs in various cities.
One tourist even shared his ordeal of abandoning a cycling trip in Turkey due to dog attacks on social media.
Efforts to find a balanced and humane solution to the stray dog issue in Turkey remain ongoing amid growing public debate and concern.
