Turkish legislators have approved a new law aimed at removing millions of stray dogs from Turkey’s streets that animal lovers fear will lead to many stray dogs being killed or ending up in neglected, overcrowded shelters. Some also say the law could also be used to target the opposition which made huge gains in the country’s local elections months ago. Deputies in the Turkish Grand National Assembly approved the legislation following a marathon overnight session Tuesday. Demonstrations across Turkey saw thousands call for the scrapping of an article that would allow some stray animals to be euthanized, dubbing the bill the "massacre law.” The opposition says it will seek its cancellation at a high court.
