Turkey street animal welfare sees protest and new natural habitat

On 2 August 2026, the İzmir Yaşam Hakkı Savunucuları announced a protest at the Karşıyaka İZBAN station against a law they label the “katliam yasası,” which they say legitimises the killing of street animals. The group called for broad societal solidarity, denounced the law’s impact on animals, humans and the environment, and warned that police had previously blocked a similar demonstration in front of the İzmir governor’s office.

The same day, Gümüşhane Municipality opened a 141,763‑square‑metre “Sokak Hayvanları Doğal Yaşam Alanı,” a natural habitat for stray animals designed to improve their health and reduce disease transmission. Mayor Vedat Soner Başer highlighted the project’s role in animal welfare and public‑health safety, noting that the facility will also serve as a care centre for treatment and rehabilitation.