Istanbul Municipalities To Fund Animal Shelters

The Istanbul Provincial Animal Protection Board has reversed its previous stance regarding the euthanasia of dogs in care homes. The board also decided against the removal of animals from university campuses. This reversal follows previous discussions regarding the management of stray animals in the city. A meeting was held at the Istanbul Disaster Coordination Center to discuss animal welfare. The Governorate stated that efforts are continuing resolutely within the framework of animal protection laws and that no policy change is planned. The Istanbul Governorship denied claims that it was reversing its decision regarding animal protection. The Governorship stated that its work is being carried out within the scope of Animal Protection Law No. 5199 and that no reversal is in question. The statement addressed attacks by stray animals. Municipalities in Istanbul will be required to allocate at least a certain percentage of their budgets for the construction and maintenance of animal shelters and natural habitats. The number of stray dogs in the districts will be determined through monthly inventory studies and entered into a system. The completion of natural habitat areas currently under construction in Pendik and Tuzla has been requested.