Turkish parliament passes stray animal bill

The Turkish parliament ratified a controversial bill regarding the handling of stray dogs early July 30 following hours-long debates amid criticism and protests.

The ruling Justice and Development Party's (AKP) 17-article proposal was endorsed by the general assembly after 28 hours of deliberation over two days, after it garnered commission approval last week.

Out of 594 members of the parliament, 500 participated in the vote, with 275 in favor, 224 against, and one abstention.

According to the article on euthanasia, which sparked months of hot debates and protests, a veterinarian will be able to decide to euthanize dogs if they "present a danger to the life or health of people and animals, display uncontrollable negative behavior, have a contagious or incurable disease or whose adoption is forbidden."

The euthanasia procedure must be performed either by a veterinarian or under their supervision.

During committee discussions, the term euthanasia was removed from the proposal, and a reference to the Veterinary Law, which encompasses the same concept, was inserted instead.

The opposition contended that the concept of euthanasia should be entirely abolished.

Opposition members of parliament protested the proposal during talks by wearing red gloves and carrying banners that read "No to the Bloody Law."

Concurrently, civil society organizations, professional associations, animal rights activists, and some Republican People's Party (CHP) members convened in Ankara to protest the inclusion of the euthanasia article in the bill.

Beyond the euthanasia provision, the law mandates that local governments, in collaboration with volunteer organizations, establish animal shelters to care for and treat stray animals...