Turkish parliament to debate controversial bill on stray dogs

Istanbul, Jun 12 (EFE/EPA) - Four million stray dogs roam the streets of Turkey, according to recent data from the country's government, which has announced a plan to reduce their number, amid controversy from those who see their presence with terror and those who call for caring them.

The proposed law, which the Turkish Parliament is expected to debate soon, envisages transferring stray dogs to kennels, where they could be adopted within 30 days.

CAMERA: ERDEM SAHIN

CONTAINS IMAGES OF SEVERAL DOGS ON THE STREETS OF ISTANBUL AND TOTALS OF FIRUZUN OZOGUL, A WORKER WHO CARES FOR AND FEEDS STRAY DOGS.

Firuzun Ozogul, entrepreneur from Istanbul:

“I think since 14 years ago, since 2010, I started distributing leftovers in our work area after work. I would see accidents happen, they had injuries, dogs would get sick. Then the feeding thing expanded and that's where the clinics came into play."

"I do not only feed them, but I also work and my conscience tells me to do something because I don't like to see the scenes I see".

“I set out to help any living being in need."

“You can have one-to-one communication with dogs. I am totally against ending the life of an animal that you look in the eyes and it responds to you".

"I believe that sterilization would be a solution. Law No. 5199 has been passed and I request it is fully implemented. Especially, the sterilization section needs to be solved from a great mobilization".