Will stray dog dispute spark street protests similar to Gezi uprising in Türkiye?

Tensions have risen as the proposed law on stray dogs began to be discussed in the Turkish Parliament’s Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Affairs Commission. Calls for action against the draft law on stray animals have surged on the streets, raising concerns about a potential new Gezi Park-style protest in Türkiye.

Stray dogs are increasingly prevalent on the streets of Türkiye, with the issue becoming urgent because of recent attacks on children. This has sparked a nationwide debate on potential solutions.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) has proposed a law to address the situation.

The law is currently under discussion in a parliamentary committee, and a decision is expected soon.

The proposal has sparked controversy, with animal rights advocates strongly opposing it. If enacted, the draft law would grant local authorities the power to euthanize animals that are aggressive, seriously ill or deemed unsuitable for adoption.

Warnings of ‘historic resistance’

As discussions on the draft law continue, calls for action emerge from various quarters. Talat Yalaz, Eskisehir Provincial Chairman of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), warned, “Let them prepare for historical resistance. Just as we protested over the cutting of two trees, we will fight with equal enthusiasm if they harm our friends.”

CHP MP Veli Agbaba has invited people to the streets, drawing parallels between the current struggle against the draft law and the National Struggle era. CHP member Tahsin Ocakli declared, “CHP will resist this law with all its organs, organizations, and executives.”

Nimet Ozdemir from the IYI Party stated: “They will kill women and children after the dogs.” Perihan Koca from the DEM party emphasized: “Our only solution is to organize our anger and unity. To repel this brutal law, we must demonstrate the power of the people.”

Additionally, Gulbin Tosun, a presenter for Now TV in Türkiye, urged President Erdogan to avoid causing “an unprecedented uprising in the history of the world.”

Protests have erupted as debates over the draft law on stray animals continue. Some social media users have called for a “second Gezi,” referencing the 2013 Gezi Park protests. Images circulating online show a group demonstrating in Ankara’s Kugulu Park, holding banners that read: “We protect animals just as we protected trees years ago.”

The protesters urged the public to join their vigil.

As these protests unfold, parliament is negotiating the draft law. The increasing calls for action have raised concerns about the possibility of a new Gezi-style uprising in Türkiye.

The original Gezi Park protests began on May 27, 2013, when demonstrators opposed the relocation of trees as part of the Taksim Pedestrianization Project.

The movement quickly escalated into nationwide demonstrations against President Erdogan, then Prime Minister, and his government.

The unrest led to numerous detentions and significant turmoil across the country.