Final version of AKP's stray animal bill revealed: Regulation on euthanasia clause, prison and fines introduced
It has been learned that certain changes have been made to the AKP government's legislative proposal regarding the euthanasia (killing) of stray animals. Accordingly, the scope of the euthanasia clause has been narrowed, while a 3-year prison sentence will be introduced for mayors who do not collect stray dogs, and a 60,000 TL fine for those who abandon dogs on the street.
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The AKP has prepared its legislative proposal regarding stray animals. The proposal, which was presented to deputies in the parliamentary group, has been opened for signatures.
REGULATION ON EUTHANASIA CLAUSE
According to a report in the Türkiye Gazetesi, known for its proximity to the government, the scope of the euthanasia clause included in the previous draft has been narrowed. Accordingly, responsibility is being placed on local governments in the clause that stipulates the euthanasia of dogs that are not adopted from shelters within one month.
RESPONSIBILITY TO BE GIVEN TO MUNICIPALITIES
Dogs that pose a rabies risk, are diseased, aggressive, or roam the streets in packs will be taken to shelters, and a committee consisting of veterinarians within the municipalities will decide whether or not they will be euthanized.
PRISON SENTENCE FOR MAYORS WHO FAIL TO ACT WITHIN TWO YEARS
It is envisioned that dogs that do not need to be euthanized will be neutered and vaccinated after being collected from the streets. It has been learned that these dogs will not be released back onto the streets and will be cared for in shelters.
Local governments will be granted a two-year period for this matter. Within this period, they will build their shelters and collect stray dogs in their areas of responsibility. Local administrators who do not fulfill their obligations will be sentenced to one to three years in prison. In the event of a repeat of this offense, the sentence will be increased, and mayors will be considered to have lost their eligibility to be elected.
Furthermore, fines for those who collect stray animals from their own regions and leave them in other regions will also be increased. Municipalities will be required to allocate a 0.5 percent share from their budgets for shelters and other care expenses. This share will not be used for other expenditures, and mayors who use the share allocated for stray dogs for other purposes during audits will also be penalized.
FINE FOR ABANDONING ON THE STREET
Additionally, a fine of 60,000 lira per animal will be imposed on those who abandon their pets on the street or those who breed prohibited breeds, and it will no longer be possible for them to adopt animals again.
WILL NOT BE RELEASED BACK TO THE STREET
AKP Group Chairman Abdullah Güler said the following regarding the proposal:
"Currently, an animal taken from the street was being neutered, vaccinated, and released back to the street. Now, this practice is being ended in the new proposal. They will be cared for in shelters. Euthanasia will be applied to animals that cannot be rehabilitated, are aggressive, diseased, have a rabies risk, or have no possibility of being adopted. Municipalities will be required to allocate a share from their budgets for shelters and the rehabilitation of stray animals. Those who do not will be audited and penalized. Those who neglect their duties will be given prison sentences. Whoever is responsible for this matter will be penalized."