Animal Activists Push Back on Culling Strays
From Turkey to Puerto Rico, Tackling Homeless Animals Requires Humanity
When the residents of Turkey learned about their government’s planned cull in a bid to handle the stray dog situation in Istanbul, they rallied and pushed back – hard! No way were they going to allow such a hardline approach to resolve the issue of homeless pooches strolling their streets.
The residents love their dogs and have always looked out for them. That’s why the legislators’ proposal that the dogs be captured, held in shelters and either spayed or neutered before being readied for adoption, just doesn’t sit right. The public is having none of this controversial proposal and is insisting the new rules will see hundreds of thousands of these dogs killed on the streets or quietly euthanized behind the scenes.
While the government seems determined to move forward, the battle between them and the voting public has not yet been lost, as animal advocates continue to fight this unacceptable approach to what we’re now finding is not such an uncommon problem.
You see, at the National Palace in Mexico, stray cats have ruled the roost for decades. What to do? The President determined that the iconic felines were an important fixture in the regal abode so they were not only allowed to remain, but would be cared for in perpetuity. In short, taken care of for the rest of their (nine or so) lives!
And with another favorite feline tribe in San Juan, Puerto Rico the power of public pressure has brought them some reprieve. Not too long ago, the United States government was planning to “remove” the 200-plus cats inhabiting a historic seaside fortress. They felt the animals might transmit illness to one another, to humans, that they were killing too much wildlife, and that they were generally smelling up the area. Not on our watch was the resounding cry of the animal rights group, Alley Cat Allies.
A long-time tourist attraction in Old San Juan, the felines had prowled the site dating back to the 1950s. A statue erected near the fortress even recognizes their historical contribution to the area. While the National Park Service had planned to start removing the cats in October 2024, lawyers for Alley Cat Allies have filed an injunction citing that the removal of the felines violates several acts including the National Environmental Protection Act. So, the cats stay put and continue to stroll the grounds with a local nonprofit called “Save a Gato” continuing to feed, spay, neuter and place up for adoption, the younger, healthier felines. It’s expected that in March 2025, a judge will rule on the fate of these seaside icons. In the meantime, watch groups will continue to apply pressure to the government, pushing for a more acceptable solution. Thinking attrition might be a way to go.
The moral of these stories? Support TNR groups (trap, neuter, release) to help keep the animal population under control. And never hesitate to fight for the rights of animals worldwide. Whatever the language, we’re the only voice they have.
Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife
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