The ruling AKP is looking for a formula concerning the regulation of stray animals, which has been harshly criticized by animal rights activists due to terms like ‘euthanasia, killing, and putting to sleep.’ The proposal for euthanasia is set to be formulated based on Article 9 of Law No. 5996 on Veterinary Services, Plant Health, Food, and Feed.
The article states, “It is prohibited to perform euthanasia on animals. However, a) In cases of diseases causing pain and suffering to animals with no chance of recovery, b) To prevent or eradicate an acute infectious animal disease or in cases posing a risk to human health, c) When an animal’s behavior poses a danger to human and animal life and health and cannot be controlled, euthanasia may be decided by a veterinarian.”
“ONLY NEUTERING ANIMALS IS NOT SUSTAINABLE”
AKP officials note that they are trying to derive some concepts based on Law No. 5996 and that the draft bill will take shape next week. They have made the following assessment:
“We will change the practice. Our current practice involves taking animals off the streets, taking them to shelters, neutering them, vaccinating them, tagging them with chips or ear tags, and releasing them back to where they were found. This practice is not sustainable. Why? We need to build a system that protects humans, the environment, and animals. What does this mean? The street is not a safe place. There is hunger, cold, disease, and the risk of death on the street. We need to create qualified shelters. Animals should be taken into shelters, vaccinated, neutered, and a strong adoption policy should be implemented. For this, the budget support of our Ministry of Agriculture needs to be increased. The ministry will provide strong support in enhancing both adoption and neutering capabilities.”
AKP officials indicate that the current fine of 5,000 liras for abandoning animals on the street will be increased to 40-50,000 liras. They also state that there will be penalties for those who breed animals and abandon the excess puppies on the streets.
“WE HAVE NO ISSUES WITH DOGS LOVED BY THE NEIGHBORHOOD”
Evaluating the euthanasia discussions, AKP officials have provided the following information about the proposed regulation:
“There is Article 9 of the Veterinary Services Law No. 5996. When we read the article, it already states that animals with rabies, carrying diseases, suffering from severe malnutrition can be euthanized.
When we take animals off the streets, they need to live safely in shelters. Animals carrying the risk of rabies or aggressive animals living together can harm other dogs. These dogs need to be segregated. In shelters, dogs harming others under Law No. 5996 should be euthanized to protect animal health so that we can care for the other animals.
We have no issues with dogs loved by the neighborhood. Those that attack, harm, or carry the risk of rabies from contact will be very exceptional. The main goal is to improve the shelters, expand quality living areas within shelters, and allow those not harming the shelter environment to continue living there. According to Article 9 of the Veterinary Services Law, this service is provided. Quality natural living areas will be created in shelters, allowing natural life to continue. However, dogs that will disrupt this environment, as outlined in Law No. 5996, will have their lives ended through euthanasia.”
