Anger as Turkey approves stray dog ‘massacre law’

Turkey has approved a new law aimed at removing millions of stray dogs from its streets that animal lovers fear will lead to many of the animals being killed.

Some also fear the law could also be used to target the opposition which made huge gains in the country’s local elections months ago.

Deputies in the Turkish Grand National Assembly approved the legislation following a marathon overnight session as the government pushed to have it passed before the summer recess as demonstrations in cities across Turkey saw thousands call for the scrapping of an article that would allow some stray animals to be euthanized.

Opposition lawmakers, animal welfare groups and others have dubbed the bill the “massacre law.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the new law is necessary to deal with the country’s “stray dog problem.”

The government estimates that around four million stray dogs roam Turkey’s streets and rural areas. Although many are harmless, a growing number are congregating in packs, and several people have been attacked. The country’s large stray cat population is not a focus of the bill.

In Istanbul’s Sishane Square, hundreds gathered and issued a defiant message to the government. “Your massacre law is just a piece of paper for us,” the organizers told the crowd. “We will write the law on the streets. Life and solidarity, not hatred and hostility, will win.”

Animal lovers in the capital Ankara protested outside municipal offices. To whistles and jeers, a statement was read: “We are warning the government again and again, stop the law. Do not commit this crime against this country.”

Protests organized by political parties and animal welfare groups were also held in cities across Europe, where there were warnings the law could dissuade tourists from visiting Turkey.

Turkey’s main opposition party said it would seek its cancellation at the country’s Supreme Court.

“You have made a law that is morally, conscientiously and legally broken. You cannot wash your hands of blood,” Murat Emir, a senior deputy with the Republican People’s Party,…