Turkey expands 24/7 stray‑animal response while vets demand better safety

Elazığ Municipality operates a 24‑hour “153 Mobile White Desk” that receives all stray‑animal reports and dispatches teams to capture, treat, spay/neuter and rehome cats and dogs. Since the shelter’s opening in 2017, more than 2,500 animals have been adopted, 15,300 treated and 7,900 sterilised, with unadoptable dogs released to a natural area in Kovancılar.

Veterinary professionals across Turkey report hazardous field conditions, long hours and lack of occupational‑health support. They cite frequent exposure to zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis, inadequate protective equipment, unsafe vehicles and a refusal by the Social Security Institution to approve referrals for work‑related illnesses. The Veterinary Physicians’ Union calls for regular health screenings, improved safety measures and legal recognition of veterinary work as a protected occupation.