08.05.2026 23:10
Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi stated that 80 percent success has been achieved in 81 provinces within the scope of efforts regarding stray animals, and announced that the goal is to gather all animals in September-October. Stating that administrative fines will be imposed on municipalities that neglect their duties, Çiftçi emphasized that streets will be made completely safe.
Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi made important evaluations regarding the regulation of unowned stray animals, which closely concerns public safety and animal welfare, during a live broadcast program he attended.
"WE AIM TO COLLECT THEM ALL IN SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER"
Minister Çiftçi stated that an 80% success rate has been achieved across 81 provinces in the process of rehabilitating stray animals and placing them in natural habitats, adding that they continue their work without slowing down.
Minister Çiftçi provided a timeline for making streets completely safe, saying, "We aim to collect all animals in September-October. In this process, our priority is to ensure the safety of our citizens and provide our animals with healthier living conditions."
"MAYORS WHO FAIL TO DO THEIR DUTY WILL PAY THE PRICE"
Delivering clear messages to local governments, which form the most critical part of the process, Minister Çiftçi said, "We want safe streets. The place for animals is shelters, not streets. Mayors who fail to do their duty will pay the price and face penalties from now on. Find, catch, treat, neuter, and keep in shelter, feed. There are also duties for municipalities here. The main duty here is naturally for municipalities. The law gives municipalities until 2028 to resolve this issue. Please, let municipalities establish shelters, and those who wish can adopt."
"FOOD PROFIT" EMPHASIS
In the program, Minister Çiftçi also evaluated the reactions of some associations and organizations to the process and made a striking allegation. The Interior Minister argued that the real concern of some structures claiming to protect stray animals is the "cutting off of food profit." He stated that the donations collected under the guise of animal rights and the massive food market will end with the emptying of streets, causing discomfort among these groups.