Türkiye orders nationwide stray dog removal after fatal attack in Konya
Stray dogs look out from a cage in an animal shelter, in Bursa, northwestern Türkiye, Aug. 7, 2022. (IHA Photo)
In response to recent events, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya has issued a directive to all governors, mandating the collection of all stray dogs. Non-compliant municipalities will face legal action under the relevant law.
This comes after the tragic incident in Turkish city of Konya, where a 2-year-old girl named Rana El Selci lost her life due to an attack by stray dogs.
The Minister announced that inspectors have been sent to Konya to investigate the incident, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing the issue of stray dogs.
“Stray dog collection is not being carried out adequately,” Minister Yerlikaya stated. “I have instructed all governors. Municipalities will collect these animals. Either they comply or we will enforce the law.”
‘We will do what’s necessary,’ says Erdogan
Meanwhile, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also addressed the incident in Konya during a program on Saturday evening, stating that the investigation is being expanded.
“Despite all the opposition’s obstructions, we will do what is necessary to implement the decisions we have made regarding stray dogs,” he said.
“To address this growing problem, all local governments, regardless of political affiliation, need to cooperate,” he added.,
The incident occurred Friday in the Basak neighborhood of Karatay district in Konya, where the 2-year-old girl, a Syrian national, was attacked by approximately 10 stray dogs. Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead at Konya City Hospital.
Her body was sent to the Konya Forensic Medicine Institute for an autopsy before being taken to Syria by her family for burial.
In light of this tragedy, Karatay Municipality has intensified its efforts to collect stray dogs in the area.
Legal implications for non-compliant municipalities
Municipalities that fail to collect stray dogs may face various penalties under the Animal Protection Law No. 5199.
According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in 2025, municipalities that do not collect stray animals under their responsibility will be subject to an administrative fine of ₺71,965 (approximately $1,973) per animal.
Additionally, local administrators who fail to fulfill their obligations within the designated time frame may face imprisonment ranging from one to three years.
Türkiye’s controversial ‘battle’ with stray dogs
The issue of stray dogs has long been a contentious topic in Türkiye, with increasing concern following recent attacks on children. This has ignited nationwide debates over potential solutions.
In response to the growing concerns, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) has proposed a law to address the situation. On July 30, the Turkish Parliament, amid fierce debate, passed a landmark amendment to the Law on the Protection of Animals. Signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the law mandates that municipalities collect stray animals and house them in shelters for rehabilitation and adoption.
The law introduces provisions for dealing with animals that pose health risks, exhibit violent behavior, or suffer from incurable diseases. Such animals will be managed according to the Veterinary Services, Plant Health, Food, and Feed Law.
Municipalities are also required to allocate portions of their budgets to establish animal shelters, with a deadline of Dec. 31, 2028. Standard municipalities must allocate 0.5% of their annual budgets, while metropolitan municipalities must allocate 0.3%. If municipalities exceed these requirements, 40% of the additional expenses will be reimbursed by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance.
The law prohibits the euthanasia of animals in shelters except in cases of severe suffering or health risks. Euthanasia must be carried out by a veterinarian. It also clarifies definitions of “owned” and “unowned” animals and requires registration in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s database. Additionally, local governments must collaborate with voluntary organizations, and abandoned animals are prohibited from being left in shelters.
Controversial provisions and opposition
One of the most controversial aspects of the law is Article 5, which allows for the euthanasia of dogs deemed to be a danger to public safety or health, or those displaying uncontrollable behavior, infectious diseases, or those prohibited from adoption.
Meanwhile, main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) had announced plans to challenge the law at the Constitutional Court, arguing it violates the constitutional right to life.
Speaking following the new regulations, which include measures for stray animals, CHP Chairman Ozgur Ozel said, “This is our duty. We will do this as soon as possible, requesting a stay of execution.”
He stated that the law is clearly unconstitutional and does not defend the right to life, and therefore they will evaluate the process related to the Constitutional Court.
The party filed an application in August with the Constitutional Court to annul certain provisions of the recently enacted Law No. 7527, which includes regulations on stray animals. The CHP is also seeking a suspension of the law’s implementation.
Animal rights activists have also voiced concerns about the potential for mass killings of stray dogs and the conditions in overcrowded shelters.
