“The Stray Dog Problem in Turkey: Current Situation” Panel Held in Ankara
Ankara, May 16 – A panel discussion titled “The Stray Dog Problem in Turkey: Current Situation” was held today in Ankara. The event, organized in collaboration with the Ankara Civil Society Platform and the Safe Streets and Right to Life Defense Association, brought together various stakeholders to address the multifaceted challenges posed by stray dogs in Turkey.
The panel, hosted at the Research and Culture Foundation, delved into the effects of stray dogs on public and environmental health, existing legal frameworks, and the difficulties encountered in their implementation. The discussions aimed to explore realistic solutions that prioritize human life, urban safety, public order, and animal welfare, rather than creating societal polarization.
Addressing a Major Urban Issue
In his opening speech, Nevzat Öylek, Term Spokesperson for the Ankara Civil Society Platform, emphasized that the panel’s objective was to find constructive solutions. He referred to the “Ankara Urban Problems Survey” conducted by the Memur-Sen Ankara Provincial Representation in June 2025. This survey, involving 1480 participants, identified stray dogs as one of Ankara’s most significant urban problems, with 58.7% of respondents considering it a priority issue.
Öylek highlighted the alarming safety concerns, stating, “In recent years, thousands of dog attacks have been recorded, many citizens have been injured, and some have even lost their lives.” He also pointed out that stray dogs have caused traffic accidents resulting in fatalities and that hundreds of thousands of people seek medical attention annually due to rabies exposure risk.
Call for Stricter Regulations on Breeding and Abandonment
Öylek underscored the critical importance of strictly controlling dog breeding and abandonment. He affirmed the Ankara Civil Society Platform’s ongoing commitment to addressing not only urban safety but also cultural and conscientious societal issues.
Derya Pınar, Vice President of the Safe Streets and Right to Life Defense Association, shared a deeply personal account. She attended the panel not only as a representative of her association but also as a mother who lost her child. Pınar recounted the tragic incident where her daughter was attacked by stray dogs and, while fleeing, was hit by a truck, resulting in her death. This profound loss led Pınar and others to establish the association, advocating for more effective measures to ensure street safety.
Expert Insights and Legal Perspectives
The panel also featured contributions from other experts. Attorney Devrim Koçak affirmed that the stray dog problem persists in Turkey. Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Sabuncuoğlu provided valuable information on diseases transmissible from animals to humans. Attorney Meltem Zorba offered insights into service deficiencies and criminal liabilities regarding damages caused by stray dogs. Dr. Ercan Özçelik presented on the effects of stray dogs on public and environmental health.
The discussions underscored the need for a comprehensive approach involving stricter regulations on dog breeding and abandonment, enhanced public awareness campaigns, and improved infrastructure for animal shelters and care. The participants collectively stressed the urgency of implementing sustainable solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of both citizens and animals.
The panel concluded with a call for continued cooperation among civil society organizations, local authorities, and the public to collaboratively address and resolve the complex challenges associated with the stray dog population in Turkey.
