Thousands Rally in Istanbul Against Euthanasia Law for Stray Dogs

In Istanbul, around 5,000 Animal rights advocates came to protest a proposed law mandating the euthanasia of stray dogs not adopted within 30 days of capture. The rally, which took place at the Yenikapı Event Center in the Fatih district, drew a diverse crowd including notable public figures and political leaders.

Among the demonstrators were singer Ebru Polat, presenter Seren Serengil, and actress Begüm Kütük. They joined the crowd in chanting slogans advocating for the freedom of humans, animals, nature, and the Earth. The event lasted four hours, with participants holding banners bearing messages such as “You can’t take a life you don’t give,” and “Don’t kill, live and let live.”

The demonstrators voiced their opposition through slogans like “Paws can’t be killed” and “Break the cages, freedom for animals.” Prominent figures at the rally included Republican People’s Party (CHP) Istanbul Provincial Chairman Özgür Çelik, Türkiye Labor Party (TİP) MP Sera Kadıgil, members of the Istanbul Bar Association Animal rights Center, and the Association of Independent Veterinarians. They argued that the proposed law contravenes the natural right to life of animals.

Speakers at the rally emphasized that the solution for managing stray animals lies in enforcing existing Animal rights laws, which focus on sterilization, vaccination, and treatment rather than euthanasia.

Speak Up Tee By Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

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