Erdoğan signs ‘Massacre Law’ into effect
A law known as the "massacre law," which introduces regulations regarding stray animals, has been published in the Official Gazette.
New Law Provisions
On July 30, the Turkish Parliament (TBMM) passed the Animal Protection Law Amendment, which was subsequently signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. According to the new law, stray dogs will be taken to animal shelters by the respective municipalities. These dogs will remain in the shelters until they are adopted.
However, a clause in the law has sparked public outrage. It states that "measures outlined in Article 9 of the Veterinary Services, Plant Health, Food, and Feed Law will apply to animals that pose a danger to human and animal life, exhibit uncontrollable behavior, have contagious or incurable diseases, or are prohibited from being adopted." Critics argue that this opens the door for the euthanasia of stray dogs, hence the term "massacre law."
Financial and Legal Implications
Municipalities are required to allocate 0.5% of their most recent confirmed budget revenues to establish and operate animal shelters by December 31, 2028. For metropolitan municipalities, this figure is set at 0.3%. Should municipalities exceed these spending percentages, 40% of the excess will be reimbursed by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance.
Municipal officials who fail to comply with these requirements face prison sentences ranging from six months to two years. Additionally, fines for abandoning pets will increase from 2,000 lira to 60,000 lira.
Most Read News
- South Sudan declares cholera outbreak
- Food banks see soaring use by Canadians
- Pro-Palestine protesters interrupt US vice president's
- China to launch Shenzhou-19 crewed space mission on
- US, Israeli defense chiefs discuss regional
- North Korea sent around 10,000 soldiers to Russia to
- Nordic leaders meet with Ukrainian president ahead of
- UN chief 'deeply concerned' over Israeli bills
- British premier, Lebanese counterpart call for immediate
- Israel bans UNRWA from operating in country