Special Report: Turkey Stray Dog Dilemma | Pt. 2

Special Report: Turkey Stray Dog Dilemma | Pt. 2

Author: As It Should Be Productions October 15, 2024 Duration: 19:49

PART TWO - One of the most hot-button discussions in Turkey is how street dogs impact everyday citizens. Most people in cities like Istanbul are used to it, with a long tradition of living alongside them. However, in peripheral areas, there is not always as much support. When government municipalities started to push strays from city centers to outside suburban and rural areas, out of their natural environment, there have been a relatively small number of attacks and accidents. These have reportedly been sensationalized in the media, making it seem like a bigger phenomenon, and said to be weaponized by the government to instill fear. 


With the Turkish parliament passing the so-called ‘massacre law’ in July 2024, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government positioned it as a way to protect civilians from these stray dogs. However, in reality, this will be used as a way to significantly harm many strays. Animal rights activists have tried to present alternate solutions or volunteer their time and services, but so far the government has closed the door on that dialogue.  


In the second episode of this two-part series, we spoke to local guests about how much stray dogs would be missed from the streets and how the government should embrace the passionate and hard-working animal rights community to reach a better solution that still addresses the overpopulation problem while going about it safely and humanely.


Guest experts featured, in order, include Ahmet Senpolat (HAYTAP, Animal Rights Federation), Nazlan Ertan (journalist), Lisanne Hillen (Melez Dog Rescue), and Elizabeth Lo (filmmaker).


For more information about the episode, guests, and featured links: dogsavethepeople.com/episodes/turkey-stray-dog-dilemma-2024-pt-2


We often talk about saving dogs, but what happens when the roles are reversed? Dog Save The People explores that quiet, profound exchange. Hosted by Dr. Sharon Holland, an author and professor whose work examines the moral lines we draw between species, this podcast listens deeply to the stories that emerge from life with a dog. Each conversation reveals how the daily acts of feeding, walking, and caring for a canine companion can unexpectedly reshape our own routines, priorities, and emotional well-being. You’ll hear from a variety of people-families, kids, athletes, and those navigating mental health challenges-about the tangible ways a dog’s presence alters the rhythm of a home, encourages physical activity, and forges a unique kind of companionship. Produced by As It Should Be Productions, the series doesn’t offer training tips but instead considers the philosophical underpinnings of these relationships. It’s about the mutual rescue, the subtle fitness of heart and body that comes from having a responsibility to another creature. Tune in for a thoughtful, grounded discussion that goes beyond the simple joy of pet ownership to consider how these bonds fundamentally alter who we are, making the case that sometimes, the leash pulls both ways. This is a podcast for anyone who suspects their dog has done more for them than they could ever repay.
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