Erdogan’s Plan to Eliminate Turkey’s Stray Dogs ✦ Euroxpe

The Turkish government’s recent proposal to cull stray dogs has sparked intense debate and concern among animal rights activists and cultural preservationists. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan‘s plan to round up the country’s estimated 4 million stray dogs and cull those not adopted within 30 days has been met with strong opposition. This initiative, aimed at addressing a perceived overpopulation and public health risk, threatens a deeply ingrained cultural practice and could lead to severe consequences beyond the immediate loss of animal life.

Turkey is unique in that it legally recognizes the right of stray animals to inhabit urban spaces, a policy stemming from a 2004 law championed by Erdoğan himself. This law has fostered a symbiotic relationship between humans and animals, particularly in cities like Istanbul, where street dogs are not just tolerated but cared for by the community. Local residents often feed these animals and even contribute to their veterinary expenses. This practice, while unusual in many parts of the world, is a cherished aspect of Turkish culture, reflecting a broader social consciousness and a sense of communal responsibility.

The proposed law is a stark departure from this tradition. Erdoğan’s justification centers on a dramatic rise in the stray dog population, dog attacks, and rabies cases. He asserts that such a problem is nonexistent in other developed countries, thus warranting radical measures. However, this perspective overlooks the unique historical and cultural context of Turkey’s relationship with its stray animals. During the Ottoman era, for instance, street dogs were considered public property, supported by charitable bequests and community initiatives. This historical practice was noted by many European visitors who marveled at the Turks’ kindness towards animals.

Erdoğan’s plan, however, is not without precedent. In the early 20th century, during the decline of the Ottoman Empire, there were similar efforts to eliminate street dogs, driven by a desire to align more closely with European notions of modernization and development. The infamous dog cull of 1910 saw thousands of dogs rounded up and abandoned on an uninhabited island, leading to a slow and painful death from exposure and starvation. This event left a dark mark on the collective memory of Istanbul’s residents, particularly in neighborhoods where religious and cultural values strongly opposed such measures.

In contemporary Turkey, the proposed cull is likely to be similarly brutal. Reports have surfaced of municipal officials engaging in horrific acts of cruelty towards stray dogs, including burying them alive, beating them to death, and other inhumane practices. While there is evidence of an unsustainable increase in the stray dog population, the government’s response has been criticized for lacking more humane and effective population control measures, such as neutering campaigns and the routine chipping of pets to prevent abandonment.

The debate over Turkey’s stray dogs has also become a cultural flashpoint. Erdoğan, who often positions himself as a defender of Turkey’s Ottoman and Islamic heritage, faces pressure from Islamist and right-wing groups to eliminate the stray dog population. These groups argue that the current situation is intolerable and that the welfare of humans should take precedence. However, many urban residents and animal rights activists view the street dogs as a vital part of the community fabric, bringing people together across diverse social backgrounds.

Ultimately, the notion that removing stray animals from urban areas constitutes progress is deeply flawed. The presence of street animals fosters an awareness of the broader, non-human world that we are a part of and have a responsibility to respect and accommodate. Real progress would involve finding sustainable solutions that ensure the survival of Turkey’s street-animal culture, which has long served as a reminder of our interconnectedness with all living beings. By preserving this tradition, Turkey can offer valuable lessons on coexistence and community to the rest of the world.