Angry British holidaymakers have pledged to boycott Turkey after the government enacted a controversial law permitting the culling of stray dogs. The legislation, passed in July, has sparked outrage among animal lovers, leading many to cancel their planned trips to the popular tourist destination.
Social media has seen an influx of posts from individuals expressing their decision to withdraw from vacations in Turkey, citing the inhumane treatment of animals. One user lamented, 'Turkey was on my 2025 list to visit. It's a beautiful country... the people who love dogs must be heartbroken.'
Protests have erupted across Turkey, with thousands taking to the streets holding signs that read 'You cannot kill them' and 'Take back the law.' Activists argue that the law, which aims to house stray dogs in shelters, contains a clause that allows for the euthanasia of any dog deemed aggressive or sick.
In response to the situation, a UK-based animal charity, Happy Paws Puppy Rescue, is working to save stray dogs in Turkey. The charity is facilitating the re-homing of these animals in the UK and has recently taken in 21 Golden Retrievers, adding to the 55 dogs already in their care.
As the controversy unfolds, the Turkish government maintains that the law is not about killing strays but rather about adoption and improving animal welfare. However, the opposition party has vowed to challenge the legislation in the Constitutional Court, arguing that it violates the right to life.