Minister Yumaklı's statement on stray animals: The fundamental problem is lack of ownership

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı answered questions from Ankara Representative Ahmet Ergen during a broadcast on NTV.

Providing information on forest fires across Turkey, Minister Yumaklı said, "The number of fires has increased compared to previous years. So far, 1,517 forest fires have occurred. There is also an increase in non-forest fires. The majority of the fires are human-caused. The main goal is to ensure that fires do not start in the first place. We have 25 thousand personnel and 120 thousand volunteers," he stated.

When asked what is being done in areas affected by fires, Minister Yumaklı said, "Reforestation is being carried out in damaged areas. Every year, we bring 500 million seeds together with the soil. There is no area opened for zoning; such a thing is impossible. We will also reforest the areas damaged in 2023 by the end of this year. Some countries come to our center in Antalya to receive training from us on firefighting."

'THE MAIN PROBLEM STEMS FROM A LACK OF OWNERSHIP'

Regarding the regulation on stray animals, which is expected to begin parliamentary discussions soon, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Yumaklı used the following expressions: "The main problem stems from a lack of ownership. There were points in our study regarding the collection, rehabilitation, and adoption of these animals, as well as launching campaigns. This is a law that focuses particularly on neutering and adoption. It is out of the question for there to be anything that would justify cruelty to animals. If the regulation is not implemented as a whole, results cannot be achieved."

Making statements regarding the agricultural support model, Minister Yumaklı said, "Technical studies are nearing completion. For the first time, we are providing support to women and young people for animal production. If it is a disease-free facility, they will receive more support," he said.

Finally, touching upon "exorbitant price" inspections, Minister Yumaklı concluded his words by saying, "A legal regulation regarding exorbitant prices has also been issued. There has never been a price increase in Turkey due to the lack of any product. I can say this clearly. We are fighting very seriously against exorbitant prices together with our Ministry of Trade. We will ensure they receive the heaviest penalties."

News Source: 12punto