Turkish cities launch major street‑animal rehabilitation centers in Afyonkarahisar and Istanbul

Afyonkarahisar's municipality inaugurated a comprehensive Street Animal Care and Rehabilitation Center after the 2024 local elections. The facility includes a fully equipped animal hospital with two operating theatres, intensive‑care units, laboratories, imaging equipment and a production line that manufactures roughly 200 kg of pet food daily. Built to house up to 2,000 stray animals, the center aims to improve welfare and reduce waste while showcasing the city's investment drive under Mayor Burcu Köksal.

In Istanbul's Ataşehir district, officials opened a 3,120 sqm Natural Living Area designed for 240 stray dogs. The project provides secure accommodation, treatment spaces and a Vetmobile service, and it is linked to the municipal temporary shelter with its own surgical and intensive‑care units. Deputy Mayor Aytekin Şahin highlighted the initiative as part of the district's responsibility to protect vulnerable animals under the national Animal Protection Law.