Erzurum bans street feeding of stray animals as Turkey plans cattle imports

In Erzurum, Turkey, the Provincial Animal Protection Board has banned the feeding of stray animals on streets. Led by Governor Aydın Baruş, the decision aims to prevent animals from creating uncontrolled breeding and living areas. District municipalities will monitor the ban, while neighborhood mukhtars, police, and gendarmerie will assist in detecting stray animals. Additionally, the Pasin Ovası Municipalities Union's animal shelter has been suspended until it meets legal requirements, with member municipalities temporarily using the Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality's facilities.

Separately, the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has announced plans to import 480,000 heads of feeder male cattle in 2027. This follows a trend of increasing domestic livestock numbers, which rose to over 17.8 million cattle by June 2026. The planned import quota is part of a gradual reduction strategy to manage supply and support domestic growth, with the Meat and Milk Institution (ESK) managing the process to ensure market stability.