Türkiye’s growing stray dog problem explained

The fatal mauling of a two-year-old girl by stray dogs in Konya sparked nationwide outrage last week. The incident has reignited a longstanding debate, transforming the issue from one of animal welfare to a pressing social crisis. 

In response, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan convened his cabinet and later stated, “Such brutality is unacceptable in Türkiye in 2025.” The tragic event has intensified calls for urgent government action to address the escalating problem of stray dogs in the country.

Rising concerns, national outcry

Stray dogs have become a pressing issue in Türkiye, with increasing reports of attacks on both children and adults. The problem is particularly severe in urban areas, where the population of stray dogs has surged. These incidents have led to serious injuries, trauma, and even fatalities.

Previously, following similar incidents, the Ministry had announced that municipalities would be fined harshly for each stray dog left on the streets. However, the directive has failed to produce a lasting solution.

One of the most tragic cases occurred recently in Erzurum and Adana, where an elderly woman collecting onions was fatally attacked by stray dogs. Another case in the city of Mus involved a senior citizen who was bitten multiple times but survived with severe wounds on her legs and hands. These incidents have heightened public concern over the safety of individuals, especially the elderly and children, in public spaces.

Children among most affected

Children are often the most vulnerable to stray dog attacks. Many cases involve young students being attacked on their way to school or while playing outdoors. One such incident involved fourth-grader Tunahan Yilmaz, who was severely injured in a dog attack. His injuries required multiple surgeries, and his recovery process was still ongoing. His father described the horrifying ordeal, stating that the wounds were so severe that his son’s skull was partially exposed.

The psychological impact on children is also significant, with many expressing fear of stepping outside. Some have reported being unable to play or even take short walks due to the presence of aggressive stray dogs in their neighborhoods.

The problem extends beyond physical injuries, as some victims have died attempting to escape from aggressive dogs. In Edirne, an elderly woman suffered serious head injuries after falling while trying to flee from stray dogs. In another case, a person attempting to escape a dog attack was hit by a truck, resulting in a fatality.

The aggressive nature of some stray dogs has also led to attacks on livestock, causing economic losses for farmers. A recent case saw a pack of dogs killing 57 goats in a rural area. The affected farmer stated that he was relieved his children were not among the victims, highlighting the broader safety concerns posed by these animals.

Unregulated feeding and rapid reproduction

One of the contributing factors to the rising stray dog population is the widespread practice of unregulated feeding, as the Turkish public shows great care for stray animals. Some individuals leave food in public spaces, which attracts large groups of dogs. This practice, while well-intentioned, has inadvertently contributed to the growth of stray dog populations in cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, where numbers are estimated to have reached 700,000.

Stray dogs reproduce rapidly, with a single female capable of giving birth to up to 12 puppies in one litter. Without effective sterilization programs, the population continues to increase exponentially. Experts warn that if no permanent solutions are implemented, the stray dog population in the country could reach millions in the coming years.

Need for humane strategy

Authorities and animal welfare organizations are debating potential solutions to address this growing issue. Some advocate for mass sterilization campaigns, while others push for stricter regulations on feeding and ownership responsibilities. There are also calls for improving and expanding shelter facilities to house stray dogs in a controlled environment. 

There has always been a deep-seated reluctance to implement drastic measures that could result in a mass culling of stray dogs, as there is no public consensus on the issue, keeping the situation highly contentious.

Some animal rights advocates argue that incidents like these could be prevented if children were taught to love and respect dogs. However, scientific studies have also indicated that stray dogs can sometimes attack without provocation. A study published in the Journal of Forensic Science found that stray dogs often engage in aggressive behavior even when unprovoked.

The proposal to build large shelters as an alternative to culling is also unsustainable, as, contrary to common belief, shelters are not designed to function as permanent dog hotels but rather as temporary treatment and sterilization centers.

Public sentiment

A recent survey by Metropoll reflects the public’s stance on this issue. The majority, 78.6%, believe that stray dogs should be placed in shelters. Meanwhile, 16.9% of respondents support the current situation, of allowing dogs to remain on the streets. However, a separate survey conducted by Konda indicates that only 15% of the population supports the euthanasia of stray dogs.

While the debate continues, the need for an effective and humane solution remains urgent. Ensuring public safety while addressing animal welfare concerns is a complex challenge that requires coordinated efforts from both government agencies and civil society.