By Marco Adda

The Turkish government is proposing a controversial plan to address the presence of free-ranging dogs with a new bill that could lead to the euthanasia of thousands of these animals. This plan, aimed at removing approximately four million free-ranging dogs from the streets, cites the usual concerns as a justification for street decency, street security for people, car accidents, the potential spread of rabies, and so on... in other words, the old repeating and stagnant script!!

This approach fails to address any potential risks, providing Turkey with an image that is far from being a modern society.

Under the proposed legislation, stray dogs will be placed in shelters for 30 days. If they are not adopted within this period, they will be euthanised.

Wait a moment: building shelters for 4 million dogs, removing 4 million dogs from the street, finding veterinarians and volunteers to care for those 4 million dogs, and adopting 4 million dogs... in 30 days? Kidding??!!!??

While the government's intentions might be to address public safety (really?!), the method they have chosen is both inhumane and clearly shortsighted. Critics, including the opposition party and numerous animal rights activists, argue that this plan will result in the mass euthanisation of dogs and fail to provide a sustainable solution to the issue of those dogs who are actually a well-integrated part of the community.

A Civilized Society Coexists with Its Stray Animals

Historically, the presence of free-ranging dogs in urban areas has been viewed through a dual lens: on one hand, these animals are identified as risk for public health; on the other, they represent resilience and a unique aspect of urban biodiversity, and are international icons. This contradiction becomes particularly evident when examining the policies aimed at eliminating these dogs in the name of creating "civilised" cities. Ironically, it is often the very presence and humane management of free-ranging dogs that signifies a truly civilised and compassionate society.

The belief that a civilised society is devoid of stray animals is a misguided one, and dogs have been persecuted for that matter throughout the 20th Century (read "The case of free-ranging dogs" in this paper). Conversely, the presence of stray dogs can be a testament to a society's compassion and its ability to coexist with other species. Istanbul's stray dogs are not just animals roaming the streets; they are part of the city's history and culture, often seen as symbols of resilience and survival.

Rather than pushing for their elimination, a truly civilised country would implement educational programs about free-ranging dogs (check out this program) for both the community and tourists. Such programs would promote understanding and compassion, teaching people how to coexist peacefully with stray animals. Countries that have successfully integrated stray animals into their urban environments, such as several cities in India, offer valuable lessons in humane stray dog management.

The Myth of Civilization

The push to eliminate free-ranging dogs is often justified by concerns over public safety, health, and urban aesthetics. Proponents argue that stray dogs attack people, cause accidents, and spread diseases like rabies. However, such measures typically overlook the root causes of the stray dog population and the potential for humane solutions. Research shows that effective sterilisation programs, combined with vaccination and community education, can manage and reduce stray dog populations without resorting to euthanasia.

Eliminating stray dogs in the name of civilisation is fundamentally paradoxical. Cities that coexist with free-ranging dogs, ensuring their welfare through humane policies, reflect a higher level of societal compassion and responsibility.

(Note: I will discuss this issue in depth in a paper due to be published in November 2024. Subscribe to the newsletter if you are interested to receive that paper).

In Istanbul, for example, stray dogs have historically been part of the city's social fabric, coexisting with humans and contributing to the urban environment. These dogs often form bonds with local communities, and their presence can even enhance the quality of urban life by fostering a sense of connection and care among residents.

Such a strong bond between canines and humans mirrors a true advancement in multispecies societies, paving the way to canine anthropology (Adda 2023, Bekoff 2023) and the symbiocene.

A truly civilised city is one that integrates animal welfare into its urban planning. This may include sterilisation programs, public education on responsible pet leadership, and the creation of safe, sustainable environments for both humans and animals. Above all, we need to demystify free-ranging dogs and understand their different lifestyles.

The problem with adoption

Successful adoption of free-ranging dogs often requires extensive patience, specialized training, tutoring for the adopters, and a gradual acclimatization process to help them adjust to their new homes​.

Dogs that have lived their entire lives free on the streets may struggle significantly when adopted into a typical home setting, especially when they come from stressful experiences such as being kidnapped from their freedom and dumped into a shelter. These dogs are accustomed to the independence, space, and daily survival challenges of street life, which can make the transition to a confined and structured household environment stressful. Also, some may apply the same dog training practices, which may not match well with dogs coming from the street. The consequence, often, is the emergence of behavioural problems like anxiety, fearfulness, or aggression due to the drastic change in their living conditions.

The Role of Education and Public Perception

Education plays a critical role in transforming public perception and policies regarding stray dogs. Informing communities about the benefits of coexisting with free-ranging dogs and the importance of sterilisation and vaccination can lead to more compassionate and effective management strategies.

Moreover, community involvement in the care and management of stray dogs can enhance social cohesion and promote a culture of empathy and responsibility. Programs that encourage citizens to participate in feeding, monitoring, and caring for stray dogs have been successful in various regions, demonstrating that humane coexistence is not only possible but beneficial.

Final remarks

The proposed elimination of free-ranging dogs in Istanbul under the guise of creating a "civilised" city is fundamentally flawed and paradoxical. Rather than signifying progress, such measures reflect a regression in societal values. True civilisation is marked by compassion, empathy, and the ability to coexist with all forms of life. Humane and effective management strategies — including but not limited to sterilisation programs — public education, and community involvement, offer sustainable solutions that enhance urban life while respecting animal welfare.

By embracing these approaches, cities can demonstrate a genuine commitment to civilised progress, balancing public safety with ethical responsibility. The Turkish government's plan to cull stray dogs is a step backwards. It fails to address the root causes of the problem and risks damaging the country's image as a humane and progressive society.

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Marco Adda | The Founder

AEDC Anthrozoology Education Dogs Canines - Academy
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