Thousands in Istanbul Protest Law Killing Stray Dogs

Massive protests erupted in Istanbul on Sunday against a new law critics argue threatens stray dogs' lives across Turkey. Last month, legislation aimed at capturing millions of stray dogs for "safety concerns" was approved, causing fears among animal lovers of potential widespread culling or overcrowded, disease-ridden shelters. Posters at the protest labeled shelters as "death camps" and demanded immediate repeal of the law.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan defended the legislation, stating that it addresses the country's "stray dog problem." Protesters like Hasan Kizilyatak, 64, voiced opposition, saying, "They are living beings, just like us. We are against them being annihilated." Ayten Arslan, 55, who supports Erdogan, called it a "bloody law" despite her political leanings.

The law, which seeks to house and treat stray dogs before adoption, faces scrutiny over financial feasibility, with concerns about sufficient funding for shelters. Activists fear that municipalities might opt for euthanizing dogs under the guise of illness. Reports and videos of dead animals further fuel public outrage. To date, 65 individuals have died in street dog attacks since 2022, emphasizing the divisive nature of the issue. The opposition Republican People's Party has moved to challenge the law in the Constitutional Court. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)