Tension erupts in Turkish Parliament over stray animal regulation

Discussions on the proposed amendment to the Animal Protection Law, known as the “stray animal regulation,” began in the Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Affairs Committee of the Turkish Parliament amid heightened tensions. The meeting witnessed significant disturbances in Parliament corridors.

Despite the committee inviting 18 individuals, including victims, experts and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), to gather their opinions, additional individuals entered Parliament through representatives of the opposition parties, including main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). Their exclusion from the meeting led to disturbances and clashes when Parliamentary police officers intervened.

Buket Ozgunlu Boyaci, head of an animal rights association, who faced legal issues after transporting allegedly rabid dogs from Sanliurfa to Ankara without permission, was present at the meeting.

Families demand child safety

Additionally, Derya Pinar, mother of Mahra Melin Pinar, a 10-year-old who tragically died in Antalya after a stray dog attack two years ago, participated in the discussions.

During the session, Pinar emotionally confronted opposition MPs, displaying her child’s bloodied shoes and expressing her sorrow. She criticized the focus on dog freedom over child safety, prompting heated exchanges with opposition party members who blamed the Justice and Development Party (AK Party).

Halil Yilmaz, father of Tunahan, a young boy severely injured in a stray dog attack in Ankara, also voiced his frustration during the discussions. Yilmaz directed his anger towards opposition MPs, questioning their stance amid his family’s ordeal and expressing his profound anguish over his son’s injuries and ongoing treatment needs.