A new bill accepted by the Turkish Grand National Assembly to find a solution to the problems of stray dogs have become law. With this bill, the method of catching dogs, neutering them and releasing them is abandoned and care and rehabilitation centers for stray animals are planned to be established. Here are the details:
1. Where Will Stray Dogs Be Taken?
Stray animals will be taken to animal shelters by the relevant municipalities, and the rehabilitated dogs will be housed in these places until they are adopted.
2. Obligations of Municipalities
Local governments, in cooperation with voluntary organizations, will establish animal shelters and conduct training activities to provide care and treatment for stray animals.
3. Establishment Period of Animal Shelters
Municipalities will establish animal shelters and improve the conditions of existing shelters by December 31, 2028.
4. Penal Sanctions
- Administrative fines for those who abandon owned animals
- Administrative fines for those who abandon animals outside of shelters
- Prison sentences for municipal officials who fail to allocate resources
5. Funding Sources
Municipalities will allocate a certain percentage of their budgets for animal shelters and spend money on these and receive support from the Treasury.
6. Obligation to Establish a Nursing Home
Metropolitan municipalities, provincial municipalities and municipalities with a population exceeding 25 thousand will establish shelters for the care of stray animals.
7. Relocation of Stray Animals
Stray animals detected in places where there are no shelters will be taken to the nearest shelter.
8. Euthanasia Practice
The law refers to the Veterinary Services, Plant Health, Food and Feed Laws regarding the application of euthanasia.
9. Encouragement and Support
Financial support will be provided to encourage work on shelters and animal health.
10. Responsibilities of Cat and Dog Owners
Cat and dog owners are obliged to register their animals using digital identification methods. The deadline is December 31, 2025.
