Mersin municipality rehomes 3,295 stray cats and dogs

Mersin Metropolitan Municipality has reported significant progress in stray animal welfare following changes to the Animal Protection Law on August 2, 2024. Since the law's implementation, the municipality has successfully rehomed 3,295 animals, consisting of 2,425 dogs and 870 cats.

In addition to adoption efforts, municipal teams have sterilized 8,111 street dogs and 10,863 street cats, with 9,037 cats being returned to their natural habitats. To support these efforts, the municipality opened the Patiköy Natural Life Area and Adoption Center in 2025. The Kaşlı Animal Shelter and Natural Life Area also provides a total capacity for 7,000 animals, featuring specialized facilities such as an ‘Unimpeded Natural Life Area’ for elderly and disabled dogs.

In Kuşadası, the ‘Haybulans’ emergency animal ambulance service has responded to 10,138 calls for sick or injured animals between January and July 2026. These animals receive treatment at the Kuşadası Pet Care and Rehabilitation Center before being returned to their original locations.

Furthermore, Atatürk University Veterinary Faculty Animal Hospital continues to provide high-level medical services, treating approximately 9,000 animals annually, including large livestock, pets, and poultry, with specialized diagnostic tools like tomography and endoscopy.