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Istanbul Governor Davut Gul has argued that widespread feeding of stray cats has disrupted the natural balance in the city, suggesting that cats no longer hunt mice as they once did.
He claimed that both cats and mice now gather around food left by residents, which he believes has altered their natural behavior.
Speaking on EKOL TV about street animals, Gul stated that feeding stray cats with commercial pet food has changed their instincts. According to him, cats used to catch mice naturally, but this hunting habit has largely disappeared. He drew attention to an unusual scene, noting, "Even mice now eat alongside cats."
He stressed that putting food on sidewalks just because someone feels like it can lead to unintended consequences.
Gul underlined that local municipalities are legally responsible for collecting street animals, neutering them, and keeping them in designated natural living areas.
He added that land requested by municipalities for this purpose has already been allocated, and that not following these legal procedures could bring legal responsibility.
He explained that when people provide food randomly in public spaces, animals may start to claim ownership of those areas. This, according to him, can cause behavioral problems and create challenges for local authorities and residents.
Gul highlighted that feeding stray animals should not be left to individual decisions and that a more organized system is needed to protect both animal welfare and public order.
He warned that when cats and dogs are regularly fed in certain locations, they start to gather and defend those areas, which may lead to conflicts with other animals and even people.
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