To: The Government of the Republic of Türkiye
Subject: Protect Stray Dogs In Turkey Through Humane Reform
Turkey’s recently enacted Law No. 7527 requires municipalities to capture stray dogs, house them in shelters, and authorises euthanasia for animals deemed dangerous, terminally ill, or unfit for adoption.
While the law’s stated aim is population control, its implementation under current conditions risks widespread deaths in shelters. Turkey’s municipal shelters are already overcrowded and under-resourced, and local authorities are ill-equipped to manage the sudden influx of dogs.
Without major investment in welfare infrastructure and sterilisation programs, this law is leading to unnecessary suffering and the loss of countless healthy, adoptable animals.
Why This Matters
Overcrowding and neglect: Existing shelters cannot safely absorb the numbers that mandatory capture will create.
High risk of mass euthanasia: Inadequate resources make large-scale killing an inevitable solution.
Proven humane methods: Countries that invest in sterilisation, vaccination, and education achieve sustainable results.
Public health and ethics: Humane control protects people and animals, reducing disease and building compassion.
Turkey’s global reputation: Humane reform would show leadership and align with international animal welfare standards.
What We’re Asking For
We respectfully urge the Government of the Republic of Turkey to:
Repeal Law No. 7527 and halt mass capture programs that risk systemic euthanasia.
Adopt humane, science-based alternatives such as nationwide spay/neuter, vaccination, and community adoption schemes.
Upgrade and regulate municipal shelters to ensure food, water, veterinary care, and adequate space.
Collaborate with veterinarians, NGOs, and local communities for effective, transparent solutions.
Educate and support responsible ownership to prevent abandonment and future population growth.
Who Should Sign
This petition is for everyone who believes compassion defines progress:
Citizens of Turkey who want ethical, lasting solutions
Veterinarians, rescuers, and NGOs
International supporters of humane animal welfare reform
Disclaimer:
This campaign addresses animal welfare policy and shelter conditions. It is not directed at the Turkish people or any individual. Our aim is to advocate for humane, lawful, and evidence-based solutions that reduce suffering and protect both animals and communities.
Yours sincerely,
Michelle Robertson
Dog Desk Animal Action CEO
help@dogdeskanimalaction.com
Speak Up for Turkey’s Stray Dogs
A step-by-step guide to contacting your MEP and demanding change
1. Why We Need Your Voice
Dogs in some Turkish municipal shelters are suffering in appalling conditions:
- Overcrowded, unsanitary pens
- Inadequate food and water
- Open wounds and untreated illnesses
- Little or no protection from heat and cold
As Turkey is a candidate country for EU membership, it must align with European values—including animal welfare. The EU Parliament has the power to press Turkey to reform. But MEPs need to hear from you, their constituents.
2. Find Your MEP
- Visit the official European Parliament directory:
👉 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/home - Select your country from the list.
- You’ll see a full list of your national MEPs.
- Click on each name to find:
- Email address
- Phone number
- Committee memberships (especially relevant: Environment, Agriculture, Petitions).
💡 Tip: You are represented by multiple MEPs. Don’t just write to one—contact them all.
3. What to Say
Use our letter template below. Copy it into an email or print it out to send by post.
📩 Letter Template (edit as you wish)
Subject: Urgent Action Needed: Inhumane Conditions for Stray Dogs in Turkish Shelters
Dear [MEP’s Name],
I am writing as a constituent deeply concerned about the treatment of stray dogs in some municipal shelters in Turkey.
Reports from whistle blowers show widespread neglect in some shelters: overcrowding, lack of food and water, untreated disease, and exposure to harsh weather. These conditions are inhumane and fall far short of international standards.
The EU recognises animals as sentient beings under Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. Turkey, as a candidate country, should be expected to align with this principle. Instead, some of its shelters are failing animals and communities alike.
I urge you to:
- Raise parliamentary questions to the European Commission about Turkey’s shelter conditions.
- Support resolutions making animal welfare a benchmark in EU–Turkey relations.
- Ensure EU funding supports sterilisation, vaccination, and shelter reform—not neglect.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address & Postcode]
[Optional: Add a personal note about why this issue matters to you.]
4. Add Your Personal Story
A personalised message always has more impact. You can add:
- Why you care about dogs
- Any volunteering or rescue experience
- Your feelings on EU values and animal welfare
5. Share the Campaign
- Post on social media with hashtags: #SaveTurkeysStrayDogs #SaveTurkeysDogs
- Encourage friends and family to write to their MEPs too.
- Share photos and links from this campaign page to raise awareness.
6. Stay Involved
- Sign the petition at the top of this page & share it with friends & family
- Follow Dog Desk Animal Action on X https://x.com/DogDeskAction
✊ Together, we can push the European Parliament to demand humane standards for Turkey’s stray dogs. Your email could help save lives.
Write To Your Turkish Consulate
By writing to Turkish consulates, you help bring international attention and pressure for transparency, accountability, and humane, science-based solutions such as sterilisation and vaccination.
Please copy and personalise the email template below and send it to your local Turkish diplomatic mission. Every message adds weight. Every voice helps protect animals who cannot speak for themselves.
Find Your Consulate here
Letter Template
Subject: Urgent Concern Regarding Conditions in Turkish Municipal Animal Shelters
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the treatment of stray animals in Turkey, particularly in some municipal shelters.
Video evidence and eyewitness reports show animals living in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions, suffering from untreated injuries and disease, being deprived of adequate food and clean water, and exposed to extreme weather. These conditions are inhumane and fall far below internationally accepted animal welfare standards.
Turkey is a signatory to multiple international conventions recognising the duty of states to protect animals from suffering. As a country seeking to uphold its standing in the international community, Turkey should be demonstrating leadership in humane, ethical, and science-based population management through sterilisation, vaccination, and proper sheltering not neglect, secrecy, and institutionalised cruelty.
I respectfully urge your office to:
• Raise these concerns with the relevant Turkish authorities and municipalities.
• Support independent inspections of animal shelters and transparent reporting.
• Advocate for humane, non-lethal population control through nationwide spay–neuter and vaccination programmes.
• Ensure that animal welfare laws are enforced and that those responsible for neglect are held accountable.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent and serious matter.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Organisation, if applicable
[City, Country]
[Optional personal statement about why this issue matters to you]
Dikili July 21st 2025 4 dogs died during transportation
