THE WORLD MUST DEMAND ANSWERS.
In 2024 Turkiye sentenced its 4 million dogs to death.
As the world prepares to gather in Antalya for COP31 we demand justice and accountability for this atrocity.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
All footage used in the making of this video was captured and kindly shared with us by the many activists and organisations in Türkiye working daily to save and protect life, and all credit is due to them.
Without their cooperation, none of this campaign would be possible.
We wish to thank them for working with us to share the reality of Law 7527.
Special thanks go to Mr Ibrahim Kaya for his footage and guidance.
He can be contacted at: Instagram – @ibrhmkaayaa ↗
We are also grateful to Wild At Life e.V. for their invaluable support and guidance.
This organisation works in wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection.
They welcome press and media enquiries at: wildatlife.org ↗
OUR MESSAGE TO COP31
A huge thank you to British actor and animal rights activist Peter Egan for lending his voice and support to our campaign video, produced in partnership with In Defense of Animals.
In the video, Peter makes a direct appeal to COP31 delegates and observers: ask your hosts one question – WHERE ARE THE DOGS?
CAMPAIGN PARTNERSHIP
Click the link to view their latest updates about the community dogs of Türkiye, send their letter and access their resources.
TAKE ACTION WITH IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS ↗THE CRISIS
As the world gathers in Türkiye for COP31, millions of community animals face an uncertain future under Law No. 7527
In July 2024, the Turkish Government changed its approach to street animal population management, moving away from the previous capture-neuter-vaccinate-return (CNVR) approach towards widespread collection and confinement.
Reports from across Türkiye describe dogs killed in horrific circumstances, appalling shelter conditions, mass graves and alleged cases of animals buried alive.
These are not faceless statistics. They are sentient beings who lived alongside people, were cared for and loved by local communities.
As Türkiye prepares to host COP31 in Antalya, the international community must confront the evidence and demand accountability.
SECTION 01
Reports from Türkiye raise serious concerns about capture operations, shelter conditions, animal deaths and alleged live burials
Municipal teams reportedly used steel tongs, wire snares and tranquilizer darts to remove dogs from the communities where they were born and cared for.
Puppies, elderly dogs and healthy animals were reportedly placed in crowded vehicles, raising concerns about injuries and inhumane handling.
Reports describe overcrowded concrete pens, exposure to extreme weather, inadequate bedding and concerns about access to food and clean water.
Independent inspections and transparent veterinary records are urgently needed.
Overcrowding and inadequate veterinary care can create serious animal welfare and public health risks.
Vaccination records, treatment protocols and mortality figures must be independently examined.
Reports of mass graves and alleged cases of animals buried alive demand proper forensic and independent investigation.
Authorities must provide transparent information about animal deaths and the handling of remains.
EXPERT PERSPECTIVE
“Removing dogs from the streets does not address the underlying overpopulation problem. Only through responsible reproduction management, identification and veterinary care can Turkey move towards a long-term solution. All street dogs deserve protection, no matter where they are.
THE NUMBERS
Estimated street dog population vs. municipal shelter capacity
Estimated street dog population
4,000,000 Dogs targeted by the policyMunicipal shelter capacity
105,000 Available placesCapacity gap
3,895,000 Places below the estimated populationIf the estimated population is 4 million and stated shelter capacity is 105,000, available capacity represents approximately 2.6% of that population. This raises urgent questions about implementation, animal welfare and the fate of dogs removed from the streets.
SECTION 02 · COP31
A sustainable future requires transparency, accountability and respect for animal welfare
World leaders will gather in Antalya to discuss a sustainable future. They must also address the treatment of community dogs and demand transparent answers.
Human, animal and environmental health are connected. Humane population management, veterinary oversight and disease prevention matter.
Reports of animal deaths, burial sites and poor shelter conditions demand independent investigation, including potential environmental risks.
We call on COP31 delegates, governments and international organisations to demand transparency, independent investigations and accountability.
SECTION 03
Sign the petition, contact decision-makers and share the campaign
Add your voice to the call for transparency, animal protection and accountability in Türkiye.
SIGN THE PETITION ↗UN INTERNATIONAL BODIES & OVERSIGHT
TURKISH STATE & HOST PRESIDENCY AUTHORITIES
Do not let COP31 greenwash this crisis. Share the campaign and help more people understand what is happening in Türkiye.
COP31 delegates, observers and visitors can consult the campaign's shelter map and information about relevant locations in Antalya.
Please verify access arrangements and local requirements before visiting any facility.
ANTALYA SHELTER MAP ↗Download the document to discover organisations supporting and protecting animals in Türkiye and learn how you can support their work.
DOWNLOAD THE DOCUMENT ↓SECTION 04
We welcome inquiries from press, media organisations, COP31 delegates and observers, and members of the public.
The campaign can provide further information about its evidence dossier, including legal documentation, shelter-related records, photographic material and eyewitness accounts.
THE QUESTION REMAINS
COP31 must not look away. The world must demand answers.
SIGN THE PETITION ↗