Türkiye's Stray Dog Problem: What is the right thing for the government to do?

Should the government prioritise the security of its citizens ,

The problem of stray dogs in Türkiye is currently at its peak. Given the economic and social crisis’ in the country, the government should indeed solve this problem by taking their lives.

To begin with, the greatest reason to support the ruling party’s resolution is public safety. It is a fact that every week, if not in every few days, there occurs a stray dog attack where the civillian is either injured or killed. Not only due to direct bites, but also since dogs chase motorcycles and bisycles, a rider’s risk of accident severely increases during such chase, as can be seen from the news.

Not only there is a clear public safety concern in this matter, but also the life quality of stray dogs should be considered when solving the issue as well. Unfortunately, it is clear that animal rights activists do not have an insight of the horrible living conditions of stray dogs in areas with less income. Since in these places the dogs aren’t fed enough by its residents due to obvious reasons, it would be futile to expect from these beings to act against their natural instincts and attack to other street animals like cats and birds, and worse, children. Therefore, the conclusion of there should be no stray dog in the street can be made.

The most popular opinion currently in the country supporting the lives of stray dogs argues that the government should build shelters and sterilise them. Unfortunately, this stands as an unreasonable and unrealistic idea. Most of the Turkish citizens are aware of the awful living conditions in such shelters, allowing stray dogs to continue their lives in a very small space and with terrible diet. Not only is this makes the arguments questionable since many argues that death would be better for these animals then sentencing them to what terrorists and serial killers are sentenced, but also because building shelters for approximately 4 million dogs in a country where people commit suicide due to financial issues would create an opportunity cost of government spending that involves human lives and humans’ life quality in it. It should be also noted that majority of these animals are currently in Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara alone, adding an expense of transportation of them to their shelter locations alongside the costs of shelters and sterilization.

To conclude, although some people might believe that taking the lives of stray dogs for the good and safety of their society is cruel and inhumane, governments should prioritize their residents’ benefits. And unfortunately, the demands who are against the resolution doesn’t meet this.

Or is the issue about the right to live,

The practice of euthanizing street animals raises ethical and humane concerns, so we need to discover more workable, long-term alternatives. Above all, all living things have an inherent right to live. Euthanasia is a band-aid solution; it does not address the root source of the problem. Instead the government should prefer long term solutions such as immunization and sterilization efforts.

Sterilization eliminates uncontrollably reproducing street animals. Immunization programs protect animal health and advance public health. Building appropriate shelters and treatment facilities is very essential to give love and care to animals which is something that governments and animal rights organizations should collaborate on. The quality of life for street animals will improve in this way. Animals do not have to struggle to survive in uncontrolled street environments .

Additionally, it is very significant that people should develop empathy and compassion for stray animals. It is particularly crucial for developing a love of animals in children through educational programs and public awareness efforts that teach people how to take care of street animals.It's very important to encourage people for both the adoption of animals and moral behavior with them.

Regulations by law also have a big influence. Laws that limit the use of euthanasia procedures and the introduction of preventive costs are essential for the protection of street animals. The protection of street animals' right to life requires the strong enforcement and implementation of animal rights laws.

The right to life of street animals can be used to show the level of civilization in a community. By treating animals with love and respect, we can enhance their welfare as well as the welfare of society as a whole.