Dogs as pets

The selling of cats and dogs from pet shops will be banned across Turkey, according to a new regulation from the Forestry and Waters Affairs Ministry.

The ministry has prepared a draft law on animals, animal rights and pet shops following a series of meetings with representatives of animal rights groups.

Municipalities in Istanbul have started a drive to protect stray cats from heavy snowfall and storms that have lasted for nearly a week and severely affected life in Turkey's largest city. 

A Scottish couple living in Bulgaria since 2007 have set up an animal shelter for stray cats and dogs, the New York Daily News  reports.

Tony and Diane Rowles initially relocated in search for "a more peaceful life" in Rudozem, Southern Bulgaria, but now look after nearly 200 animals they have either rescued or been given by other people who heard about their work.

The government’s economic delegation is considering adding pets to its asset declaration in the framework of the modernization of the tax system. This means that pet dogs, cats, canaries, etc. will be included in structural reforms being promoted by the government.