Mayor of Buyukcekmece, Akgun: ‘If the state provides support, the stray animal problem can be solved in 5 years’

Drawing attention to the significant problem of stray animals in Turkey and stating that the idea of euthanizing dogs is never acceptable, Mayor of Buyukcekmece, Dr. Hasan Akgun, mentioned that all districts, including metropolitan cities, will engage in neutering. The state will fully support this initiative to decrease the population of stray animals and control it through neutering, Mayor Akgun said.

In response to the rabies case and dog deaths in Sanliurfa, animal rights advocates and animal lovers protested. The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Ministry of Interior completed their work. A draft law on stray animals, including regulations for free-roaming dogs, was submitted to the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM). According to the draft, the number of shelters will be increased, and the practices of municipalities will be monitored. Neutering programs will also be expanded nationwide.

“The issue will be resolved within 5-6 years”

Making a statement regarding the ‘monitoring of municipal practices’ clause, Mayor of Buyukcekmece, Dr. Hasan Akgun, emphasized that stray animals are a significant issue in Istanbul and Turkey, especially in metropolitan cities where the population has significantly increased. He highlighted that it has become a public health issue. Mayor Akgun mentioned that at the Buyukcekmece Street Animals Care and Rehabilitation Center, they take in stray animals that people initially adopt but later abandon on the streets. He stressed the importance of neutering to control the population of stray animals effectively. Mayor Akgun expressed that it is essential for all districts, especially metropolitan cities, to engage in neutering, with full support from the government. He stated that the ideal population of stray animals will be maintained through neutering, and within 5-6 years, the issue will be resolved. Mayor Akgun also mentioned the challenges faced due to limited resources and expressed the need for additional support from the government to tackle the issue effectively. Currently, there are around 10,000 dogs in Buyukcekmece, excluding cats, with approximately 1,200-1,300 of them being cared for at the center, while the rest are being fed on the streets, which is not a sustainable solution. He emphasized the collective effort needed to address the issue and expressed the possibility of solving the stray animal population concern with the support of all municipal mayors.