Street animals protected in industrial zones close to Istanbul

Several firms have announced their participation in a project for the protection of stray animals in industrial zones close to Istanbul.

The project, led by Friterm and titled "Kids of our streets," has been implemented with the support of firms located in the Dilovası district of Kocaeli and in the Tuzla district of Istanbul, both industrial zones.

The primary aim of the project is to protect street animals living in or near industrial zones. The project, which focuses on feeding and covering the cost of medical treatment for street animals, started in Tuzla in 2009 and in Dilovası in 2011. Around 420 stray dogs have been treated for diseases and hunger in Dilovası so far.

Friterm Social Responsibility Project Coordinator Perihan Duruk said the project aimed to provide a healthy environment for the animals with a right to live in the area.

"Street animals are cats and dogs who try to share the streets with us, but they are deported to forests and garbage areas outside the city centers without legal or moral grounds and have suffered trying to survive there. There is no ‘street animal problem,' there are only ‘problems for street animals.' With this project, we are attempting to prove that it is possible to live with such animals in peace," said Duruk.

The project team provides periodical training in order to reach out to more people and raise awareness for the safety and protection of all animals living in the streets. The training sessions are open to anyone who is interested, and further information can be reached the official website.