Reactions against the AKP government's proposed law, which will lead to the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of stray dogs under the name of "sleeping", continue. Animal rights defenders and democratic mass organizations want the option of "killing" to be abandoned both on the streets and on various platforms.

 

Hande Keykubat, member of the Board of Directors (BoD) responsible for International Relations of the Anti-Discrimination and Equality Association (AYMED), spoke about the draft law.

 

'NOT THE SOLUTION'

 

Stating that there are practices for stray animals in the implementation regulation of the Animal Protection Law No. 5199, but these are not supervised by the government, Keykubat said: "This situation has become a problem because this law is not implemented sufficiently, municipalities do not do their part, municipalities are not forced in this regard and people are not made aware. The number of stray animals that attack people, scare them or form gangs, and remain neglected and hungry on the streets has increased. However, we think that the solution will not be the law that is wanted to be passed now, and that ending the lives of animals is a violation of the right to life."

 

Underlining that putting animals to sleep cannot be a solution, Keykubat reacted: "We do not accept the hypocrisy of those who harshly criticize the West on some issues, saying 'they were doing it' when it suited their interests."

 

ANIMALS ARE PAID THE PRICE

 

Pointing out that no suggestions or opinions were received from the relevant non-governmental organizations or associations regarding the draft law, Keykubat said: "People complain about this problem and yes, we need to solve it. However, you should have solved this for 22 years. Now, we do not allow animals to pay the price for mistakes made."

 

Keykubat said that organizations working for animal rights should explain animal rights to the public and take more actions and activities to put pressure on the Parliament and stated the following: "I think the people should take to the streets and not be afraid about this issue. Only in this way can the governments take a step back. This applies to every subject. I think there should be more demonstrations, meetings and awareness-raising activities. Because this issue has now emerged from an emotional point and has become a rights-based issue. You propose killing and introduce a bill. Today it could be an animal, tomorrow it could be a refugee, disabled or elderly person. We need to protect the right to life for everyone. We need to know that we are all parts of a chain, regardless of whether we are animals, people, old people, young people, refugees or disabled people."