21.08.2025 10:02
The Istanbul Governorship sent a letter to the district governorships of 39 districts shortly before the opening of schools. The letter stated that stray animals in all areas where citizens are densely present, especially around school environments, should be collected urgently in accordance with the regulations.
The Istanbul Governorship made a statement regarding stray animals before the opening of schools. The letter signed by Istanbul Governor Davut Gül was sent to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the 39 district governorships.
"COLLECTION ACTIVITIES MUST BE CARRIED OUT URGENTLY"
The letter reminded that there is little time left before the schools open and stated: "Collection activities regarding stray animals must be carried out urgently within the framework of the current legislation, especially in areas where our citizens are densely located, such as school surroundings, for the sake of environmental health, public order, and public safety."
"STRAY ANIMALS MUST BE TRANSFERRED TO SHELTERS"
The statement from the Istanbul Governorship is as follows: "With the amendments published in the Official Gazette on 30.07.2024 for the Animal Protection Law No. 5199 and on 13.12.2024 for the Implementation Regulation on the Protection of Animals, provisions have been included in the legislation regarding the collection of stray animals by local authorities and their transfer to animal shelters.
Article 6 of the Animal Protection Law states, "It is mandatory for local authorities to take stray or weakened animals to animal shelters established or authorized by them as quickly as possible." According to the provision in Article 7 (a) of the Responsibilities and Duties of Local Authorities section of the Implementation Regulation on the Protection of Animals, this duty has been assigned to local authorities, which states, "To bring stray or weakened animals to the animal shelters they have established by obtaining a work permit in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 5199."