"An Interview on Animal Rights Practices in Brussels and the Effects of the New Draft Law in Turkey"

One of the most debated topics in Turkey recently is “Stray Animals” and the anticipated legislative process regarding this issue. Stray animals are a major problem in Turkey; dogs and cats live in harsh conditions on the streets, and especially dogs, often roaming in packs, have caused numerous deaths and injuries in the past two years. The government is working on a new law to address this problem. According to the proposed law, shelters will be built for stray animals, and where there are no dog shelters, new shelters will be established immediately. Stray animals will be kept in these shelters, and adoption campaigns will be organized. Adopted animals will be neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before being handed over to their new owners.

However, the most controversial aspect of the proposal is the provision that allows for the euthanasia of unadopted animals after a certain period, which is yet to be specified. This provision has sparked significant backlash from animal lovers in Turkey, who argue that euthanizing healthy animals violates animal rights. To delve deeper into this issue, we conducted an interview with Nadège Pineau, the Operations Manager at the “Help Animals” shelter in Brussels. We asked Pineau about the system in Belgium and her thoughts on the situation in Turkey.

+Hello Nadege welcome and thank you for accepting our interview request!

- Hello, thank you for the request.

1) What are the living conditions of the animals in your shelter in Brussels?

We have three completely different shelters: one in Brussels for dogs and cats, and the other two in Wallonia for horses and farm animals. For the dogs, it’s a typical shelter: the dogs are kept in large cages, but they all get a 20-minute walk once a day by volunteers or animal caretakers, and they are free for 30 minutes in a secure garden.

2) How does the process of accepting animals into your shelter work?

When there is an abandonment or a seizure by the police, we assess it based on the urgency of the situation and the available space we have. Unfortunately, we receive far more requests than we have available space.

3) How are the animals' health checks and treatments carried out in the shelter?

We have an animal caretaker responsible for veterinary follow-up and ongoing treatments. A veterinarian visits the shelter almost every afternoon to perform the necessary veterinary acts.

4) What kind of programs are implemented in your shelter for the socialization and rehabilitation of animals?

We have volunteers who come to socialize the animals, take them out, and spend time with them. For dogs with behavioralproblems, a canine trainer comes once a week to work with these animals.

5) How does the adoption process work? What are your adoption rates?

Adoption candidates must first answer a series of questions to ensure the seriousness of their approach and that their environment meets the animal's needs. We do not hesitate to refuse an adoption request if we believe the animal will not be fully happy in the proposed new life. We ask that all household members meet the animal, as well as any family dogs.

6) What measures do you take in case animals stay in the shelter for a long time?

All animals eventually find a new family, no matter how long it takes. We do not practice euthanasia.

7) Can you tell us about the animal rights laws in Brussels and their impact on shelters?

There is still much to be done, but animals have recently been recognized as sentient beings in our constitution. This means they will be much better protected. For example, it is forbidden to keep an animal in a cage or constantly tethered.

8) Are there any successful strategies implemented in Brussels to prevent the number of animals in shelters from increasing?

Unfortunately, not enough, but since 2017, all cats must be sterilized to prevent uncontrolled reproduction. However, it will take a lot more time for the positive impacts to be felt in the shelter.

9) What are the biggest challenges faced by animal shelters in Brussels and how do you develop ways to deal with them?

The biggest challenge is the lack of space compared to the demand. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do except act at the source through management policies.

10) A new draft law in Turkey envisages that stray animals will be collected in shelters and put to sleep if they are not adopted. What do you think about this?

It’s a delicate issue, and it’s impossible to give an opinion without all the information. We understand the serious problem of stray animals, but capturing and euthanizing them is probably not the solution, and it's obviously not the role of shelters, which exist to save animals, to implement such a policy.

11) How would you compare animal rights practices in Brussels with this bill in Turkey?

Such a project could not happen in Brussels, as it would go against public opinion.

12) Can the current policies on animal rights in Brussels serve as a model for Turkey? If so, in which ways?

Each country is different, so it is difficult to give advice without identifying the basic problem.

13) In your opinion, what are the alternative policies that could be implemented instead of the draft law in Turkey?

It’s essential to identify the source of the problem: is it due to uncontrolled reproduction of stray animals? Lack of resources for the population leading to abandonment of their animals? Lack of prosecution of people who abandon animals? Lack of shelters? Solutions are found in analyzing the root problems.

14) What do you think is the most effective and humane solution for stray animals?

In Belgium, we have a particular problem with stray cats that reproduce uncontrollably. In our three regions, several actions have been implemented: mandatory sterilization for all cat owners, sterilization of stray cats and release back to their territory, veterinary vouchers for sterilization for people who cannot afford it, etc.

15) Finally, do you have any opinions, comments, or suggestions you would like to add about Turkey?

Although each country is different and the problems encountered are not comparable, it should be noted that political decision-makers often choose the easiest, most radical solutions, even if they go against animal welfare. But putting a band-aid on a wound is not an answer if the underlying issue is not addressed.