Statement from Minister Yumaklı regarding the euthanasia of stray animals! '70 percent of the total number...'

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı made a statement on his social media account regarding the "euthanasia of stray dogs", which has become a major topic on Turkey's agenda.

In his statement on his X account, Yumaklı used the following expressions: "Controlling the reproduction of stray dogs is possible by neutering 70 percent of the total population within one year. However, in the last 5 years, an average of 260 thousand dogs have been neutered, with a maximum of 350 thousand in a single year."

The full text of Yumaklı's statement is as follows:

"At the root of the stray dog problem lies the fact that there is no person or institution that legally assumes responsibility for these animals. Given the necessity of considering certain technical information in the discussions regarding the solution to this issue, I would like to present the following points to the attention of the public.

"AN EXACT NUMBER CANNOT BE DETERMINED"

1-) It is estimated that the number of stray dogs is close to 4 million. Due to their ability to give birth 1-2 times a year, with an average of 6-8 puppies each time, and their constant movement, local governments cannot keep accurate records and an exact number cannot be determined.

2-) According to scientific data, controlling the reproduction of stray dogs is possible by neutering 70 percent of the total population within one year. However, in the last 5 years, an average of 260 thousand dogs have been neutered, with a maximum of 350 thousand in a single year.

"THE NUMBER OF RABIES-RISK CONTACTS HAS NEARLY DOUBLED"

"3-) Our country is classified by the World Health Organization as being in a high-risk category in terms of rabies. Many countries issue travel warnings to their citizens planning to visit our country regarding the risk of rabies and the dangers posed by stray dogs.

4-) According to Ministry of Health data, while the number of rabies-risk contacts, including those involving pets, averaged 267 thousand between 2018 and 2022, this number nearly doubled in 2023, reaching 438 thousand. It is clear that this situation has reached alarming dimensions in terms of human life and health.

5-) According to Ministry of Interior data, 55 deaths and 5 thousand 147 injuries were recorded in 3 thousand 534 traffic accidents caused by collisions with animals in the last 5 years.

All common-sense discussions, opinions, and suggestions made in the public sphere regarding this issue in recent days are extremely valuable for reaching the right solution. I believe that our country will overcome this problem as well, with the realistic solution proposals of experts, especially scientists, and the support of our citizens."

News Source: 12punto