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Istanbul Governor Davut Gul said Monday that 46% of the city’s stray animals have been collected as authorities move to enforce tighter controls on animals living on the streets.
In a statement shared on social media, Gul said bringing stray animals under control was “not a preference, but a clear necessity,” adding that all remaining animals would also be collected, as announced last month.
“Extreme approaches are not a solution; neither mass killing nor vagrancy or lack of control can be accepted,” Gul said.
He said the legal order was clear, stating that stray animals would be collected immediately, neutered, and kept in shelters under appropriate conditions.
“Forty-six percent of stray animals in Istanbul have been collected; all of the remaining animals will also be collected,” he said.
Gul said there would be “not a single stray dog” left on the streets, framing the measure as a public safety and urban order issue.
“Citizens who wish to adopt these animals will only be able to do so to care for them in their own home or garden,” he said.
The governor also said the breeding, sale, and adoption of banned breeds are prohibited by law, warning that administrative and judicial action is being taken against those who violate the rules.
Gul said responsibility for carrying out the process lies with municipalities and called on all local administrations to meet their obligations without delay.
“This duty belongs to the municipalities. All municipalities will fulfill this obligation immediately and completely,” he said.
“There will be absolutely no tolerance for negligence or delay,” Gul added.
He said public safety remained the authorities’ “indisputable priority,” adding that no weakness would be allowed regarding public order and urban security.
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