Heavy sanctions for those who abandon animals on the streets

With the new regulation published in the Official Gazette, significant measures regarding the collection and rehabilitation of stray animals have been implemented. With the update to the Animal Protection Law No. 5199 in the Official Gazette dated August 2, 2024, it has become mandatory to collect, rehabilitate, and keep stray animals in shelters. According to the new regulation, municipalities have been granted until December 31, 2028, to establish animal shelters and improve existing ones. However, the practice of collecting animals and taking them to shelters, and keeping dogs in shelters, has come into effect immediately.

In accordance with Article 14 of the Law, it is prohibited to leave stray animals outside of shelters even if the rehabilitation process has been completed. Those who act in violation of this will be subject to an administrative fine of 71,965 TL per animal. Furthermore, shelter capacity will be evaluated based on the number of animals, and municipalities with insufficient capacity will be required to allocate a certain percentage of their budgets to the construction of shelters.

A roadmap for the implementation of the changes that have come into effect was determined at the Provincial Animal Protection Board meeting, chaired by Kırıkkale Governor Mehmet Makas. During the meeting, the work to be carried out, measures to be taken, and recommendations regarding stray animals within the scope of the "Regulation on the Implementation of the Animal Protection Law" No. 5199 were evaluated.

Governor Makas stated in his remarks at the meeting that a coordinated effort will be carried out with municipalities, the provincial special administration, and relevant institutions within the framework of the regulations. Pointing out that all local governments have taken on new responsibilities with the law, Makas said, "Priority will be given not only to the collection and housing of animals but also to sterilization efforts to bring the population under control. This process will be carried out through the joint action of all our municipalities."

Stating that there are approximately 4 thousand stray animals in Kırıkkale, Governor Makas emphasized that a system will be established that protects public health and safety while also respecting the animals' right to life. Governor Makas said, "The law imposes an obligation on municipalities with a population of over 25 thousand to establish shelters. Together with our municipalities and our special administration, we have formed a sub-commission to ensure the healthy housing, sterilization, and adoption of animals," adding that they are working to manage the process in the best possible way.

Stating that the creation of a licensed shelter and a natural habitat is planned, Makas said, "It is planned for the Kırıkkale Municipality to take a leading role in this process to create a licensed shelter and a natural habitat. In this context, it is envisioned that a 43 thousand square meter area will be requested from the National Real Estate and a natural habitat will be established there. Along with the shelter and habitat establishment process, the stages regarding the housing, sterilization, survival, and adoption of stray animals will be carried out by a sub-commission to be formed together with all our municipalities and our special administration. We are committed to determining and implementing the necessary support."

Explaining that human health and safety are also a priority in the process of protecting animals, Makas said, "In our state tradition, the human being is always at the center of service. With the understanding of 'Let the human live so that the state may live,' our municipalities, our governorship, and our special administration will act in this direction. The Turkish society, which can be shown as the most compassionate society throughout history, will work to ensure that animals can also continue their lives, focusing on humans and without deviating from the line of compassion. However, in this process, it will be a priority not to harm human rights and freedoms and to protect public health."

Governor Mehmet Makas emphasized that all measures will be taken to ensure that citizens are not harmed and that stray animals are not victimized.

News Source: İHA