If they do not adopt them, Türkiye plans to sacrifice 4 million dogs

In Türkiye, the presence of stray dogs has become a dilemma that polarizes society.

The recent proposal by the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) to implement euthanasia for stray dogs that are not adopted within 30 days has ignited a national debate, reflecting deep tensions between public safety and animal rights. . This measure, although pragmatic in the eyes of some, is presented with an alarming tone for pet-friendly societies, such as Mexico, where the integration of pets into daily life has grown exponentially.

The problem of stray dogs in Türkiye is not new.

Historically, the country has had a complex relationship with its homeless animals. Unlike many places in Europe where euthanasia is a common practice to control stray animal populations, Turkey has until recently shown cultural tolerance towards these animals, allowing their presence on the streets and providing makeshift shelters and food by local residents.

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However, the situation has evolved dramatically due to tragic incidents. Dog attacks on citizens, including children, have culminated in tragedies. For example, the death of a 10-year-old boy in Bitlis, bitten by a rabid dog, intensified the public clamor for definitive solutions. These events have highlighted the urgent need for effective management of the stray dog ​​population, balancing compassion with public safety.

The Turkish government, in response, has proposed legislation that would allow the euthanasia of unadopted dogs after a 30-day waiting period. This decision seeks to reduce the risk of attacks and control the stray dog ​​population in a way that aligns with animal welfare and public health standards.

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The proposal includes the capture, vaccination and possible euthanasia of the dogs, implementing a painless injection method for those that do not find a home.

This measure has sparked a wave of criticism from activists and animal rights organizations, who argue that such an approach is not only inhumane, but also ineffective in the long term. Ahmet Kemal Şenpolat, leader of the Turkish animal rights organization Haytap, maintains that the solution does not lie in euthanasia, but in sterilization, education on responsible ownership and the implementation of laws that penalize the abandonment of animals.

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This debate extends beyond Turkish borders, particularly impacting countries like Mexico, where pet-friendly culture has rapidly gained ground. In Mexican cities, it is increasingly common to see restaurants, parks and other public spaces open to pets, reflecting a cultural change towards animal integration and well-being.

The Turkish proposal, therefore, poses a worrying scenario for societies that deeply value the life and rights of animals. The idea that dogs could be euthanized if suitable homes are not found within a limited time raises serious questions about methods of animal population control and the balance between compassion and convenience.

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N. de la R. Historically, Türkiye has had a complex relationship with its stray animals. Unlike many European countries where euthanasia is a common practice to control homeless animal populations, Turkey has until recently shown greater cultural tolerance towards these animals, allowing their presence on the streets and providing shelter and food through community initiatives. In Mexico, the stray dog ​​population also represents a challenge. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), in 2022 there were more than 23 million dogs in the country, of which 70% were homeless. Most animal protection organizations in Mexico advocate sterilization as the most effective and humane solution to control the dog population. The Turkish government has proposed legislation that would allow the euthanasia of unadopted dogs after a 30-day waiting period, with the aim of reducing the risk of attacks and controlling the stray dog ​​population. This proposal includes the capture, vaccination and possible euthanasia of dogs through painless injection for those that do not find a home. In contrast, Mexico has taken different approaches. In several Mexican cities, mass sterilization programs and adoption campaigns have been successfully implemented. Organizations such as the Mexican Animal Protection Society (SPAM) work on public education about responsible pet ownership and promoting stricter laws against animal abandonment and abuse.