YRP leader Fatih Erbakan on stray animals: 'It is not the right approach'

Following the March 31 Local Administration General Elections, where the YRP won the districts of Altınekin, Çumra, Emirgazi, Doğanhisar, Sarayönü, and Yalıhüyük in Konya, YRP Chairman Fatih Erbakan made statements to the press while visiting the municipalities in Konya.

"WE DO NOT APPROVE OF TAKING THE LIFE OF ANY LIVING CREATURE"

Addressing the efforts regarding the collection and euthanasia of stray dogs, Erbakan said:

"Only God, who gave life, can take it. This applies whether it is a human or an animal. As the New Welfare Party, we are absolutely against the euthanasia of stray animals. This is a behavior that is not in line with our faith. It is not a humane behavior either. Even if this is done in some Western countries, it is not the right approach for us to imitate them. As we stated in our manifesto before the election, our New Welfare Party municipalities aim to collect these animals and clear our streets of stray dogs, but also to ensure that these animals continue their lives in the best conditions, in the most modern and advanced centers. Our goal and project is to have them under the supervision of veterinarians and experts, to have these centers accessible to the public 24 hours a day via live internet broadcasts, to always be open to visits from our citizens, and to ensure these animals are kept alive under the best conditions there. Our municipalities have already rolled up their sleeves for this. As the New Welfare Party, we do not approve of taking the life of any living creature. We are against the euthanasia of these animals. It is extremely important that they are kept alive by providing all kinds of support in these modern, advanced centers."