Main oppositon party appeals to Constitutional Court on stray dogs law
Stray dogs look out from a cage in an animal shelter, in Bursa, northwestern Türkiye, Aug. 7, 2022. (IHA Photo)
Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has filed an application with the Constitutional Court (AYM) to annul certain provisions of recently enacted Law No. 7527, which includes regulations on stray animals. The party is also seeking a suspension of the law’s implementation.
CHP Deputy Group Chair Gokhan Gunaydin, along with several CHP lawmakers, submitted the application and later addressed the press outside the AYM.
Gunaydin emphasized the urgency of addressing the law, which came into effect on August 2, 2024, and stated that the party had completed its preparations swiftly in response to public outcry over incidents of stray dog killings.
Gunaydin explained that they had 60 days from the law’s publication in the Official Gazette to file an appeal with the AYM.
He noted that they had consulted with numerous professional organizations, bar associations, NGOs, foundations, and animal rights volunteers to gather input for their case.
After thorough work, including over weekends, they submitted a 182-page petition to the AYM on the 13th day.
The CHP is challenging 16 out of the 17 articles of the law, arguing that these provisions are entirely inconsistent with animal rights, public interest, the fundamental objectives and duties of the state, the right to life, environmental rights, the principle of protecting natural assets, and the impact of international agreements on domestic law.
Gunaydin expressed hope that the AYM would convene as soon as possible and issue a ruling to suspend the law’s implementation.
