Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's call for the killing of stray dogs has sparked outrage that analysts say is crossing political lines across the country. As VOA's Istanbul correspondent Dorian Jones reports, the proposal is reviving dark memories of Turkey's past. The government's bill to round up millions of stray dogs has led to a series of protests. Even today, critics of the proposal took to the streets of Ankara demanding its withdrawal.
Protests have recently erupted across Turkey over a proposed law to round up millions of stray dogs. According to the law, the dogs would be killed after 30 days if their owners do not come forward or new owners are found.
Protester Zulal Kalkandelen says the proposal is inhumane.
“They plan to herd them in shelters, which we call death camps. There has long been a campaign to promote hatred of stray animals. Our people, who have been living with street dogs for centuries, are now convinced that these animals must disappear.” protester Zulal Kalkandelen tells VOA.
The proposed legislation evokes memories of a dark chapter in Istanbul's past. In 1910, stray dogs were rounded up and left on an island near the city to starve to death.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dismissed the concerns of opponents, saying stray animals have become a menace to society, causing traffic accidents and spreading disease.
“The truth is that a large part of society wants this issue to be resolved as soon as possible and our roads to be made safe, especially for our children. We cannot ignore this request.” says President Erdogan.
However, activists say there are more humane ways to address people's concerns.
Lawyer Elcin Cemre Sencan is one of the organizers of the protest.
“There are people who are disturbed by these animals, but the solution is not to kill them. Studies have shown that sterilization of animals, especially dogs, reduces their numbers, as well as attacks on humans. Ms. Sencan tells VOA.
President Erdoğan's AK party recently suffered a major defeat in local elections. Opponents say that Mr. Erdogan, with this proposal, may be trying to win back the support of conservative voters, calculating that opposition to the street dog law will come mainly from the secular opposition.
“We know our problems; the world knows our problems, but they want to divert attention by exploiting animals. “Dogs can't talk, we're here to be their voice.” says Eyup Cicerali for the Voice of America.
A recent poll says less than three percent of Turks support killing stray dogs, showing that opposition to the proposal crosses political and religious lines.
Analysts warn that the street dog law, which will be sent to parliament in the coming weeks, could be a dangerous move for President Erdogan.
