How does the Fethiye Municipality look at the issue of euthanasia for stray dogs?

The Fethiye Municipality Animal Rights Commission members held a press conference regarding the planned amendments to the Animal Protection Law No. 5199. Attendees included Doğuş Çelik, Ruhtan Başkaya, and Gülümser Oymak from CHP and Muammer Uğur Pehlivan from the AK Party. The commission highlighted that the uncontrolled increase in stray animals across the country had become a significant issue, even posing a security risk in some areas.

In the statement made it was emphasized that Fethiye Municipality firmly opposed the mass euthanasia of stray animals and adhered to the “catch, neuter, vaccinate, and return” principle advocated by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). The Municipality also emphasized the use of appropriate rehabilitation methods for aggressive dogs to help them continue their lives.

The commission criticized the lack of consultation with veterinarians, professional organizations, NGOs, and local authorities in preparing the proposed amendments to the law. They noted that many municipalities, except a few like Fethiye, had failed to fulfill their legal obligations to establish animal shelters, leading to an increase in the number of stray animals.

The commission stated that euthanizing stray animals was unacceptable and incompatible with universal medical ethics. They stressed the importance of neutering to control the population of stray animals and acknowledged the contributions of local veterinarians in this effort.

In conclusion, Fethiye Municipality stated that it took pride for being an exemplary community in animal welfare and would continue to stand against the euthanasia of stray animals.