There are estimated to be around 4 million stray dogs in Turkey, frequently seen roaming the streets alone or in groups.
Now, following concerns about rabies, accidents and dog attacks, a new piece of legislation has been sanctioned by the Turkish government.
"This spells death"
While the law calls for stray animals to be moved into shelters, it also states that animals suffering untreatable diseases, or who show aggressive tendencies towards people, should be euthanised.
"Since there are not enough places in shelters - there are very few shelters in Turkey - a new path has been opened for the killing of strays", veterinarian Turkan Ceylan told Euronews. "We animal rights activists know very well that this spells death".
Protests and campaigns against the bill have been launched in recent weeks, with many UK holiday makers cancelling trips and vowing to 'boycott' the country.
On X, #BoycottTurkey has received support from around the world. "Turkey is currently carrying out the greatest dog massacre in history. Emboldened by the "dog slaughter law" that recently passed, evil people are poisoning stray dogs en masse. Please don't stay quiet", urged one user.
The controversy
Turkey's main opposition party is said to be seeking the cancellation of the law at the Supreme Court.
Murat Emir, a senior deputy with the CHP, openly shared their thoughts in parliament. "You have made a law that is morally, conscientiously and legally broken", they stated.
The CHP has said they will not be implementing the law, yet the bill itself holds up to two years of prison sentences for mayors who refuse to tackle the stray dog problem.
While many believe President Erdogan has declared stray dogs to be 'enemies of the state', the government denies the bill will lead to the culling of these animals.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc told journalists that anyone found to be killing stray dogs without reason would be punished.
