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Turkey’s stray dogs are finding forever homes in other countries following the approval of a controversial law that will take millions of dogs off the streets in the country.
The law, dubbed the “slaughter law” by animal rights activists, was approved in July this year despite heavy criticism.
The law aims to remove Turkey’s stray dogs from the streets and either house them or place them in animal shelters.
However, animal rights activists believe that due to lack of resources and facilities, these dogs have no choice but to be euthanized.
Now, animal rights activists and organisations are doing all they can to help place Turkey’s stray dogs in the homes of loving owners in other countries.
In an interview ReutersNilgul Sayal, an animal rights activist who runs a dog shelter near Istanbul, said she has sent hundreds of dogs overseas and successfully found homes for them.
She also revealed that there has been a surge in demand for international dog adoptions since the law was passed.
Sayar told Reuters: “We have about 20 to 25 dogs ready to be airlifted. People keep contacting us (for adoption). We hope to be able to send more dogs soon. They will all be placed in good homes.”
Sayal then shares the story of Dali and Deezy, two stray dogs who once lived on the streets of Istanbul but were captured and later taken into her shelter.
Currently, Dali and Deej live in the Netherlands and are enjoying a second chance at a happy and comfortable life.
Ali Okey, the volunteer who flew Dali and Deezi from Türkiye to Belgium, told Reuters: “We wanted to help these dogs and find them loving families overseas.”
Deej’s new owner, Caroline Dielman, said she decided to keep the dog after hearing about Turkey’s new law.
“This new law not only makes me physically sick, it also makes me feel powerless.” Dielman said. “It was a small thing I could do… just one dog out of many, but it’s better than none.”
The process of adopting such a dog is long and tedious, but ultimately rewarding: Getting your dog ready to travel to the European Union with all the necessary paperwork and vaccinations can take at least four months and cost more than $1,100.
In the United States, CDC There are also strict requirements for the import of dogs, especially from high-risk countries such as Türkiye.
Luckily, international adoption isn’t the only option for these stray dogs.
Reuters reports that animal lovers and activists in the country are doing all they can to save the beloved dog.
Some businesses have started adopting stray dogs for their offices, some veterinarians are offering free vaccinations to anyone willing to adopt an animal from a shelter, and hotels have even built dog shelters to introduce dogs to tourists.
The Turkish government estimates that there are around four million stray dogs roaming the country’s streets and rural areas.
