Turkish Parliament to debate euthanasia law for stray dogs

The Turkish Parliament is set to debate a controversial bill proposing euthanasia for stray dogs today at 2:00 p.m.

The debate will take place in the General Assembly, with significant security measures in place to prevent potential protests.

Visitor ban, media restrictions

From July 26 to July 29, the Parliament will not allow visitors, and because the session falls on a Sunday, the parliamentary TV channel will not broadcast the proceedings.

These measures are reported to prevent disruptions by animal rights activists and nongovernment organizations (NGOs), who have been vocal in their opposition to the bill.

Background, reactions

The 17-article proposal, known as the ‘Animal Protection Law Amendment Bill,’ was accepted by the Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Affairs Commission on July 23 after three days of heated discussions.

The law has been a source of considerable debate, primarily because it includes provisions for euthanizing stray dogs.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently criticized the protesters in Parliament, stating, “Calling a parliamentarian a murderer under the Great Assembly’s roof is disrespectful to the nation. We will not yield to such insolence and arrogance.”

Nationwide protests

Protests against the bill are ongoing. Today, a significant rally is expected in Ankara at the same time the parliamentary debate begins.

A large crowd gathered in Istanbul’s Kadikoy on July 27 district to protest the proposed law.