KDCA Position on Türkiye’s Stray Animal Law
The Kangal Dog Club of America strongly opposes the amendments to Türkiye’s Animal Protection Law passed on July 29, 2024, which pave the way for the mass removal and potential euthanasia of free-roaming dogs and cats.
For centuries, the Turkish people have lived alongside free-roaming dogs and cats with remarkable tolerance and compassion. These animals have long been part of Türkiye’s streets, neighborhoods, and communities. We believe this cultural heritage of coexistence should be preserved and strengthened through humane, effective, and sustainable solutions — not undermined by lethal measures.
Mass euthanasia is inhumane, inefficient, and fails to solve the root causes of stray animal populations. Reliable reports indicate that many existing shelters suffer from severe overcrowding and inadequate care. Furthermore, the Turkish Veterinary Medical Association has confirmed that a well-managed Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (CNVR) program is significantly more cost-effective than large-scale sheltering and euthanasia in both the short and long term.
We are particularly concerned that the new law does not adequately address major drivers of population growth, such as irresponsible breeding and the unregulated trade of animals, nor does it impose stronger penalties for animal cruelty.
The Kangal Dog Club of America has sent an email to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye to urge them to immediately reverse or substantially revise this legislation, linked here. We call for the adoption of comprehensive, nationwide humane management programs focused on:
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Widespread sterilization and vaccination campaigns
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Investment in properly managed, transparent shelters oriented toward rehabilitation and adoption
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Stronger enforcement against animal abandonment, illegal breeding, and cruelty
We stand ready to support ethical and effective efforts to improve stray animal management in Türkiye and encourage all animal lovers and responsible dog owners worldwide to join us in this call for compassion.
Kangal Dog Club of America
April 2026