Ankara Court Overturns Ban on Feeding Stray Animals in Public Spaces

Ankara’s 23rd Administrative Court has overturned a decision by the Ankara Provincial Animal Protection Board that prohibited the uncontrolled feeding of stray dogs in public spaces.

The court ruled on September 15, 2026, that the regulation was unlawful. The case was brought by the Animal Rights Federation (HAYTAP) against a decision adopted by the board at its meeting on November 6, 2025.

The ruling means that the blanket ban imposed on feeding stray dogs in public areas has been annulled.

Court Says More Limited Measures Could Address Concerns

In reviewing the case, the court noted that fully implementing the legislation requiring stray dogs to be taken to shelters and placed for adoption would take time. Building shelters with sufficient capacity and carrying out the necessary collection operations would require a transition period.

The court stated that the potential risks associated with uncontrolled and indiscriminate feeding during this period could be addressed through more limited measures rather than a complete ban.

These could include regulating designated feeding points, introducing restrictions on where and when animals can be fed, and setting hygiene requirements.

Stray Animals Can Be Fed Under Healthy and Hygienic Conditions

The court emphasized that designated feeding areas would allow animals to be fed under the supervision of authorized institutions and in healthy, hygienic conditions.

Highlighting the principle of proportionality, the court found that imposing a complete ban instead of adopting flexible, gradual measures was disproportionate.

It also pointed out that the term “uncontrolled feeding” had no clear legal definition, potentially creating uncertainty in how the regulation would be enforced.

While acknowledging the authorities’ responsibility to maintain public order, the court stressed that regulations must take into account both public health and safety and animals’ right to life and welfare.

The court ultimately ruled that the administrative measure imposing a blanket ban was contrary to the law, the principle of rationality and the public interest.

HAYTAP Says Similar Cases Are Continuing in Other Provinces

In a statement on social media, HAYTAP recalled that a similar decision had first been adopted by the Afyon Provincial Authority.

The federation said the legal case concerning the decision in Afyon is still ongoing and that it also plans to file a lawsuit concerning a similar measure in Erzurum.