Turkey’s rich history and culture, diverse landscapes, delectable cuisine, amicable locals, and great value for money have collectively enticed a remarkable 46.7 million foreign tourists in 2023. However, the lingering question remains: was it genuinely worthwhile in the end? For animal lovers and advocates, the answer may take on a different shade.
On January 9th, hundreds of animal rights activists gathered in Istanbul’s Kadıköy district to protest against the Turkish government’s recent order to remove stray dogs classified as “dangerous” from the streets. The protesters, many of whom held placards with slogans such as “Where are the dogs of our neighborhood?” and “Freedom for stray animals,” voiced their concerns about the welfare of the dogs and the potential for abuse in shelters.
The order, issued by President Recep Erdoğan in December 2023, has sparked outrage among animal rights groups, who argue that it is inhumane and will lead to the deaths of many dogs. They point to the fact that Turkey’s shelters are often overcrowded and underfunded, and that many dogs are euthanized shortly after being taken in.
The protesters also called for an end to the practice of poisoning stray dogs, which is still common in some parts of Turkey. They argue that this is a cruel and ineffective way to control the population of stray dogs, and that it often leads to the suffering of innocent animals.
The Turkish government has defended the order, saying that it is necessary to protect public safety from dangerous dogs. However, critics argue that the government is not doing enough to address the root causes of the problem, such as the lack of spaying and neutering programs and the abandonment of unwanted household dogs.
The situation with street cats in Turkey is even more complex, with contrasting narratives depending on where you look.
Cultural reverence
Turkey has a deep cultural connection with cats, dating back to Ottoman times. They’re seen as symbols of good luck and spiritual guardians. In some region of the country it translates into widespread care and feeding by ordinary citizens, with many leaving out food and water for “sokak kedileri” (street cats).
No-kill policy
In 2021, Turkey introduced a national no-kill policy, prohibiting the euthanasia of healthy stray animals, with a particular focus on providing protection for street cats. Nevertheless, current circumstances may suggest a different reality.
Community care
In cities such as Istanbul, some communities frequently shoulder collective responsibility for cat welfare. Volunteers construct shelters, administer medical care, and champion the well-being of these feline inhabitants.
In certain neighborhoods, dedicated “cat guardians” are appointed to oversee the care of specific cats.
Nevertheless, the narrative portrayed by cat rescue groups in Istanbul presents a contrasting and potentially challenging perspective.
Social media influence
Videos and photos showcasing Istanbul’s well-cared-for street cats have gained viral attention, creating “a positive” perception of their living conditions. Supporters argue that this portrayal has not only drawn tourism but has also garnered international support for various cat welfare initiatives in Turkey.
However, local cat rescues point out the potential use of online clickbaits, strategically designed to capture attention and entice users to click a link and read a story, primarily benefiting its authors without necessarily contributing to the cause it purports to support.
So what is the real situation with cats in Turkey today?
Overpopulation: Despite the alleged care provided, the absence of widespread sterilization programs results in rapid population growth, straining resources and intensifying competition for food and shelter among street cats.
Those who look after these cats often refrain from spaying and neutering due to financial constraints. The cost of personally covering sterilization expenses for even a few cats can be significant.
Additionally, a lack of understanding about cat sterilization persists with the locals, with some viewing it as an interference with the natural course of things.
However, cats can be prolific breeders, capable of reproducing as early as 6 months old, yielding 2-3 litters a year if a good source of food is available. These combined factors contribute significantly to the issue of overpopulation.
Disease and malnutrition: In this environment, where some cats flourish, many others face malnutrition and illnesses exacerbated by harsh weather, exposure to parasites, and a dearth of access to veterinary care.
Street cats confront a range of diseases, with FIP, FIV, and URI infections being among the most prevalent. Not to be overlooked are the felines unfortunate enough to be struck by vehicles or abandoned on the streets by their inattentive owners after falling ill.
Abuse and neglect: While rare compared to positive interactions, instances of cat abuse and neglect do occur, often by individuals with negative perceptions of strays. Lack of proper education of youngsters to love and respect animals may lead to animal abuse. Especially in rural regions where lack of education or poverty are more prevalent.
Municipal or public shelters frequently suffer from overcrowding and inadequate resources, resulting in less-than-ideal conditions for cats.
Reports from cat rescues in Istanbul, and likely other regions of the country, highlight instances of cats being abandoned at these facilities, left untreated, or even left to perish without proper care. In many cases, rescue organizations have stepped in to remove these cats and cover the costs of private care.
News articles from sources like Hurriyet and BBC Türkçe report on both positive and negative aspects of street cat life in Turkey. They acknowledge the cultural reverence, community efforts, and no-kill policy, but also highlight concerns about overpopulation, disease, and abuse.
Some news outlets report on the work of cat rescue organizations detailing their efforts to address cat welfare issues through sterilization, adoption, and education programs.
Online forums and social media groups dedicated to Turkish street cats reveal diverse perspectives. Cat lovers share heartwarming stories of community care and feline interactions, while animal rights activists raise concerns about neglect and abuse.
Some personal accounts from expats living in Turkey describe witnessing both the good and the bad, emphasizing the importance of responsible feeding practices and supporting sterilization initiatives.
The protest in Kadıköy was one of many that have taken place across Turkey in recent weeks. Animal rights activists are hoping that their voices will be heard by the government, and that they will be able to persuade it to change its mind about the order eliminating dogs on the streets. Many fear cats would have the same plight.
It’s crucial to recognize that the situation in Turkey regarding stray dogs and cats is intricate, with diverse perspectives on the matter.
Some individuals support government actions aimed at safeguarding public safety, while others prioritize the welfare of animals roaming the streets. Finding a solution to the issue of stray animals in urban areas is no easy task, requiring a delicate balance between human needs, increasing compassion towards animals, and supporting animal rescue organizations.
Remember, whatever stance you take, advocating for animal welfare in Turkey remains possible. You can show support by endorsing animal rights organizations, spreading awareness on social media, and promoting responsible tourism practices.
Here are my recommendations to support two cat rescues that I’ve come to know and admire for their unwavering dedication to helping numerous animals in need:
HELP STREET CATS AND DOGS – Helping neglected, abused street cats and dogs of Turkey UK registered charity, Est. 2017
HELP A STRAY CAT – Nonprofit organization helping stray cats in Turkey by providing food, medical treatments & homes. Rescues available for intl. adoption
For those who are passionate about animal welfare and advocate for animal rights, the decision to visit Turkey becomes a personal choice that can have a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need around you.
Leave a Reply