Yetkin Report

  • Türkçe
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Life
  • Writers
  • Archive
  • Contact

Intense debate over stray animal bill in Turkish Parliament

by YetkinReport / 18 July 2024, Thursday / Published in Life, Politics

Protests, tension, and 18 hours of heated discussion: The Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) commission commenced discussions over a controversial bill aiming to amend the Animal Protection Law in a marathon session filled with heated debates, protests, and high tension. (Photo: Taha AYHAN / DHA)

The Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) commission commenced discussions over a controversial bill aiming to amend the Animal Protection Law in a marathon session filled with heated debates, protests, and high tension.

The bill, known for its potential to introduce “euthanasia” for stray animals, sparked strong reactions from various political factions and civil society groups.

The AKP, which proposed the bill, argues that existing measures to control stray animal populations were insufficient, citing safety and public health concerns.

Opposition parties labeled the proposal a “massacre law” and insisted on its withdrawal. They argue that the bill is unconstitutional and morally wrong.

While it alarmed animal rights activists, those who have suffered from stray dog attacks demand a regulation and defend the bill.

Despite the prolonged discussions, the first three articles of the 17-article bill was approved.

The commission will continue the debate on Monday to discuss over remaining articles.

18-hour marathon

The parliamentary commission led by ruling AKP Kahramanmaraş Deputy Vahit Kirişci, began at 2:00 PM on July 17 and stretched into the early hours of the following day.

When a bill or legislative proposal is introduced, it is first referred to the relevant commission. The commission members from the parliament conduct detailed examinations of the bill, propose necessary amendments, and often invite experts and representatives from civil society for consultations.

These meetings involve extensive discussions and debates, during which amendments can be suggested and voted on. After thorough evaluation, the commission prepares a report and submits it to the General Assembly of the TBMM for further debate and final voting.

As it stirred a heated public debate, the commission for the animal law saw an unprecedented attention.

The small size of the room led to overcrowding, with many standing, including journalists and lawmakers. Representatives from civil society organizations advocating for animal rights were initially removed from the hall but were allowed back later.

Heated debate

The session was marred by continuous clashes between opposition and ruling party members, with accusations of manipulation and insensitivity.

As inside the commission room the debates was marked by numerous disruptions, opposition lawmakers and animal rights groups protested the bill outside the parliament, chanting slogans such as “Justice, Mercy, Freedom” and “Street animals are not without owners.”

AKP Istanbul Deputy Adem Yıldırım defended the bill, stating, “We prioritize the future and safety of our children over letting dogs roam freely in the streets.”

During the discussions, Derya Pınar, whose daughter was killed in a traffic accident while avoiding stray dogs, threw her child’s shoe at opposition lawmakers.

CHP Group Deputy Chair Murat Emir passionately declared, “We will not allow this massacre law to pass,” emphasizing the bill’s departure from humane treatment of animals.

 

Yeni yazılardan haberdar olun! Lütfen aboneliğinizi güncelleyin.

İstenmeyen posta göndermiyoruz! Daha fazla bilgi için gizlilik politikamızı okuyun.

Aboneliğinizi onaylamak için gelen veya istenmeyen posta kutunuzu kontrol edin.

Tagged under: animal, animal rights, animals, bill, dogs, eutanasia, stray animals, stray dogs, Turkey

What you can read next

Turkey: the real reason why Erdoğan messes with mayors
Turkey denies Armenian claim, says Azeri army is sufficient
Ten days to critical election, color of politics in Türkiye is shifting
  • Ukraine Summit in Washington: A Dark Day for European Diplomacy20 August 2025
  • The Alaska Summit, winners, losers, and the end of the Yalta system16 August 2025
  • TRIPP Deal Strengthens Türkiye’s Strategic Influence the Region11 August 2025
  • Aliyev, Pashinyan agree: Will Türkiye open Armenia border gate?9 August 2025
  • Turkish opposition leader Özel can draw masses to squares in August heat3 August 2025
  • Can AI and the rule of law return oligarchy to democracy?1 August 2025
  • A Zionism analysis based on a heartless Gaza piece in The NY Times23 July 2025
  • Russia-Ukraine and Europe-Iran talks will be held in İstanbul this week22 July 2025
  • Will solving the terrorism problem help with Turkish-EU visa issues?22 July 2025
  • After İmamoğlu, Turkish opposition leader Özel faces prison threat, too3 July 2025
Search the news archive...

Politics

Economy

Life

Writers

Archive

Türkçe

About

Impressum

FAQ

Advertising

Contact

Made with ♥ by tbtcreative.com © 2022 yetkinreport.com All rights reserved.

Yetkin Report     ·      Help     ·      User Agreement     ·      Legal

TOP