Turkey’s parliament has approved a measure to euthanize some of the country’s four million stray dogs, part of a draft law under debate.

The euthanasia clause targets dogs that are sick or deemed aggressive to prevent attacks and rabies.

The government plans to capture the remaining strays, place them in shelters, and put them up for adoption. Critics argue this approach is unworkable given the large number of strays and fear the law will lead to a massive cull.

Animal rights activists advocate for mass sterilisation instead. The debate has evoked memories of a 1910 incident when Ottoman authorities left 60,000 dogs on a deserted island, resulting in their gruesome deaths.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan supports the law, emphasizing the need for safe streets, and noting Turkey’s unique stray dog problem.

The ruling AKP party holds a parliamentary majority, ensuring the law’s passage, despite opposition from the Republican People’s Party, which vows not to enforce it in cities they control.

The government has threatened jail time for non-compliant mayors and restricted access to parliament to prevent further protests. Demonstrations have occurred, with MPs protesting by wearing blood-stained gloves to symbolize the potential for widespread animal deaths.

#MaltaDaily