'A first in Turkey': 72 thousand lira fine to be imposed on those who abandon their animals on the street in Afyonkarahisar

It has been announced that an administrative fine of 71,965 TL per animal will be imposed on those who abandon their animals on the street without permission in Afyon. In the statement made by the Afyonkarahisar Governor's Office, it was stated that this decision was taken due to the increasing number of stray animal attacks in the city. The Governor's Office underlined that the decision was made within the scope of the Animal Protection Law.

The statement from the Governor's Office included the following remarks:

'Due to the recent increase in negative situations regarding stray animals and the rise in incidents involving attacks by stray animals, a total mobilization has been launched under the instruction of Governor Kübra Güran Yiğitbaşı in order to prevent similar situations in Afyonkarahisar and to produce permanent solutions on this issue.'

The Animal Protection Law, which was amended in Turkey last year, had caused controversy. Animal rights advocates argued that the law would cause the stray animal problem to grow rather than solve it.

NEW RESPONSIBILITIES GIVEN TO MUNICIPALITIES

The Governor's Office also announced that it has given new responsibilities to municipalities. Accordingly, while it was stated that those who abandon their animals on the street will be subject to criminal sanctions, it was noted that rehabilitation processes will be accelerated by establishing shelters for stray animals.

In the statement, which emphasized that the practice is 'a first in Turkey', the following was stated:

'With these efforts, it is aimed to bring stray animals under control and support them for a safer and healthier environment. Within the scope of the new regulations regarding stray animals, incentives such as food, kennels, and veterinary services will be offered to citizens who adopt animals from shelters. With this step, both population control and the welfare of the animals will be ensured.'

News Source: 12punto