British tourists are voicing their outrage and vowing to “boycott” Turkey, with many cancelling their planned trips due to a controversial new law that has sparked widespread condemnation.
The legislation, dubbed the “dog massacre” law, allows the rounding up and potential euthanizing of stray dogs across the country.
The law, passed by the Turkish government, mandates the removal of stray dogs from the streets, with provisions for euthanasia for any dogs deemed aggressive or suffering from incurable illnesses.
This drastic measure was introduced in response to rising concerns about animal attacks, traffic incidents, and the spread of rabies, as Turkey grapples with an estimated four million stray dogs, according to reports from Birmingham Live.
Outrage has been swift and vocal, especially on social media. One user on X (formerly Twitter) lashed out, saying: “Mr. Erdogan, do you still remember that day, during the 2023 Turkey Earthquake, Indian sniffer dogs rescued a girl trapped in quake rubble.
“Mr. Erdogan, if you are a human, withdraw the dog Massacre law right now. #BoycottTurkey #Turkey.”
Another person said: “Turkey was on my 2025 to visit list.
“It’s a beautiful country, and I looked forward to seeing dogs at cafes, shops…The people who love those dogs must be heartbroken. @trpresidency IS #HEARTLESS so my trip to Turkey is canceled #BoycottTurkey #DogKiller.”
“During the mass dog killings that took place in Ankara yesterday, the streets of Altndag…”, someone else wrote. “Women are crying out in the streets to save the spayed and vaccinated street dogs #BoycottTurkiye.”
Another tweet accompanied by pictures read: “Warning highly distressing images! Dogs being poisoned in death shelters in Turkey as President Erdogan declares them ‘enemies of the state’. We are witnessing the worst slaughter of dogs in modern history in Turkey.”
“The truth is that a very large part of society wants this issue to be resolved as soon as possible and our streets to become safe for everyone, especially our children,” Erdogan explained to parliament recently to justirfy the new policy.
“It is unthinkable for us to remain indifferent to this demand, this call, even this cry. Our proposals are no different from those of other countries in Europe.”