How to Adopt A Humane Approach to Stray Dogs in Türkiye

Istanbul, just like many other cities in Türkiye, faces a rather important challenge with its large population of stray dogs. Estimates suggest there are between 130,000 to 150,000 stray dogs in the city.

Not that they are considered to be a problem by many as a lot of the city’s inhabitants treat stray dogs with compassion and consider them part of the community. They are also often fed by residents and seen as living symbols of resilience.

But not everyone agrees.

The Challenges

The presence of a large number of stray dogs indeed raises several concerns. Public safety is at the forefront, as there have been reports of attacks by stray dogs, some of which have resulted in serious injuries. This has led to growing fears among some of the public, particularly in areas where packs of dogs congregate. In addition to safety, stray dogs can contribute to traffic accidents.

​Public health is another major concern, especially regarding the transmission of diseases like rabies. While vaccination campaigns exist, the sheer number of dogs makes comprehensive coverage challenging. Moreover, the living conditions of stray dogs often lead to suffering due to hunger, disease, and exposure to the elements​.

However, there are humane ways to tackle the ‘problem’, than just culling the animals.

Culling of Stray Dogs

Recently, the Turkish government approved a controversial bill that allows for the culling of millions of stray dogs although it is said to be mainly aimed at the culling of stray dogs that are deemed dangerous or incurably ill. This legislation has sparked widespread protests across the country.

On one side, animal rights activists advocate for humane treatment, pushing for vaccination, sterilization, and sheltering programs. They argue that stray dogs are a part of the urban ecosystem and that many of them are friendly and pose no threat if properly managed. They also argue that it could lead to the unnecessary suffering and death of many animals. It’s no coincidence that animal rights activists and opposition parties have condemned the law, labeling it a “massacre law” and warning that it may lead to inhumane treatment of animals.

On the other side, some residents and officials support more drastic measures, including culling, which is basically selectively removing or killing animals from a population, typically to manage or reduce the population size. The reason for this is to address the perceived threat posed by stray dogs. They argue that the increasing number of strays is a public safety issue that needs to be controlled immediately to prevent further attacks.

A Plea for a Humane Approach

There is a growing call for a humane approach to managing the stray dog population. This involves a combination of strategies that focus on both animal welfare and public safety.

  1. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Programs: One of the most effective humane strategies is the implementation of TNR programs. These programs involve capturing stray dogs, neutering or spaying them, and then returning them to their original location. Over time, this helps reduce the population of stray dogs while allowing them to live out their lives without reproducing. Cities like Bucharest, Romania, have successfully employed such programs alongside adoption initiatives​.
  2. Public Education and Awareness: Educating the public about responsible pet ownership and the importance of spaying and neutering pets can prevent the growth of the stray population. In Curitiba, Brazil, public awareness campaigns and mobile spay/neuter clinics have largely reduced the number of stray dogs, showing the effectiveness of community involvement.
  3. Adoption and Shelter Programs: Expanding adoption initiatives and improving shelter conditions are crucial. While Istanbul has initiatives like the Semtpati app, which promotes dog adoption, these efforts need to be scaled up to make a more significant impact. In the Netherlands, a country with one of the lowest stray dog populations globally, comprehensive shelter systems and strict laws against animal abandonment have proven effective. In Japan and Belgium there is a mandatory registration and microchipping of pets.
  4. Legislation and Enforcement: Strong legal frameworks are essential to ensure that stray dogs are treated humanely. This includes laws that protect animals from cruelty and encourage responsible pet ownership. However, such laws must be balanced with practical enforcement mechanisms that do not lead to unnecessary suffering.

Respect for Both Human and Animal Needs

Stray dogs can lead healthy lives if they are part of well-managed programs that include feeding, vaccination, and medical care. Communities that treat stray dogs humanely can create a positive environment for both the dogs and the people who live there.

TNR programs, public education, and adoption initiatives offer a viable solution that respects both human and animal needs.

Ultimately, the success of any approach will depend on the collective efforts of the government, animal welfare organizations, and the public. By working together, it is possible to address the concerns associated with stray dogs in a way that is both humane and sustainable.