Main opposition leader Ozel opposes proposed Animal Protection Law amendments

Significant pushback comes from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader, Ozgur Ozel, against proposed amendments to Türkiye’s Animal Protection Law, particularly concerning regulations on stray dogs.

CHP leader Ozel has firmly stated that municipalities under CHP control will refuse to comply with the new regulations and are actively working to thwart its passage in Parliament.

As discussions unfold in the Turkish Parliament’s Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Affairs Commission regarding these amendments, Ozel reiterated the party’s dedication to animal rights.

He emphasized that the CHP parliamentary group is fully mobilized to challenge and prevent the new law from being enacted.

‘We will fulfill our responsibilities’

Addressing the proposed law, Ozel affirmed that CHP-run municipalities would not implement the decision.

He emphasized the party’s commitment to animal rights, stating: “Our group will continue its struggle in Parliament, except for extraordinary excuses based on health problems of first-degree relatives. We will fulfill our responsibilities to prevent this law from becoming law.”

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) submitted to Parliament a much-debated bill on street dogs that includes euthanasia provisions on July 12.

The proposed legislation transforms the current “catch-neuter-release” method into a “catch-neuter-keep/adopt” approach.

According to the new regulation, captured dogs will be taken to shelters where they will stay until they are rehabilitated or adopted.