Istanbul Governor Davut Gül issues directive to municipalities on stray dogs: 'Carry it out immediately and completely'

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül has requested that all relevant municipalities fully fulfill their legal obligations in order to reduce the stray animal population in the city and ensure public safety. In a statement made via his social media account, Gül said, "The breeding, sale, and adoption of banned breeds are prohibited by law. Administrative and judicial proceedings are being carried out against those who act in violation of these rules. This is the duty of the municipalities. All municipalities will fulfill this obligation immediately and completely."

Governor Gül stated that approximately 46 percent of stray animals across Istanbul have been collected, and efforts are ongoing for the remainder. Underlining that stray dogs will be brought completely under control, Gül emphasized that extreme approaches are not the solution, noting that options such as mass culling or lack of control, which are subjects of debate in society, are absolutely unacceptable.

Bringing stray animals under control is not a choice, it is a clear necessity.

Extreme approaches are not the solution; neither mass culling nor abandonment or lack of control can be accepted.

The law's mandate is clear: stray animals will be collected immediately, neutered, and kept in appropriate…

— Davut GÜL (@gul_davut) May 4, 2026

"Bringing stray animals under control is not a choice, it is a clear necessity. Extreme approaches are not the solution; neither mass culling nor abandonment or lack of control can be accepted. The law's mandate is clear: stray animals will be collected immediately, neutered, and kept in shelters under appropriate conditions. 46% of stray animals in Istanbul have been collected; all of the remaining ones will also be collected. There will not be a single stray dog left on the streets.

Reminding citizens that they can only adopt animals if they can provide care in their homes or gardens, Gül stated that the illegal breeding, sale, or adoption of banned breeds is subject to serious sanctions.

"NOT EVEN THE SLIGHTEST WEAKNESS WILL BE PERMITTED"

Citizens who wish to adopt may only do so to care for these animals in their own homes or gardens. The breeding, sale, and adoption of banned breeds are prohibited by law. Administrative and judicial proceedings are being carried out against those who act in violation of these rules. This is the duty of the municipalities. All municipalities will fulfill this obligation immediately and completely. Negligence and delay will absolutely not be tolerated. The safety of our citizens is our undisputed priority; not even the slightest weakness regarding public order and city safety will be permitted."