Animals and animal rights

A stray dog sits in front of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Aug. 23, 2022.

Analysis

Turkey’s opposition fears political motives behind stray dog bill

As Turkey inches closer to passing a bill that could lead to the mass culling of stray dogs, some critics argue that it will provide a mechanism for the government to turn up the heat in opposition-held municipalities.

Ezgi Akin

By Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Animal right activists attend a protest against the ruling party AKP's bill aimed at removing stray dogs from the streets, on June 2, 2024, in Istanbul.

Quick Take

Turkey walks back controversial stray dogs bill amid fears of mass cullings

The Turkish president’s ruling party will introduce a change to the draft bill to narrow down the conditions under which stray dogs will be euthanized.

Stray dogs lie on the grass in front of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul on August 23, 2022.

Quick Take

Turkey’s animal rights advocates fear mass culling as lawmakers debate stray dog bill

Animal rights activists claim that the bill could lead to mass culling of the country’s some four million stray dogs.

A stray dog sits in front of the Hagia Grand Mosque, in Istanbul, on May 30, 2024.

Regional View

Turkey's street dogs face mass cullings as Erdogan touts euthanization bill

The bill has caused uproar among animal lovers, triggering noisy demonstrations.

Latest News

Regional View

Turkey's famed Van cats see birthrates surge

Turkish Van cats play in an enclosure at the Van Cat Research Center on Feb. 8, 2018, in Van, Turkey.

Regional View

Turkish man rapes Dutch cow; Islamophobes have a field day

Laura

Regional View

Gaza's animals not spared from war, suffer starvation, trauma and diseases

EDITORS NOTE: Graphic content / A dog wonders past debris following an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, in the southern of Gaza Strip, on October 16, 2023. The death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to around 2,750 since Hamas's deadly attack on southern Israel last week, the Gaza health ministry said October 16. Some 9,700 people have also been injured as Israel continued its withering air campaign on targets in the Palestinian coastal enclave, the Hamas-controlled ministry added. (Photo by

Lions traumatized by Sudan war find safe haven in South African sanctuary

Eleven lions have been moved from the Sudan conflict zone to a sanctuary in South Africa.

Beatrice Farhat

By Beatrice Farhat

In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict

Kuwait holds annual camel race as sport regains regional traction

Race camels resting before a race in Qatar.

Al-Monitor Staff

By Al-Monitor Staff

Hatira, a Saluki who runs “like a bullet,” in Aliyaa, Syria on Nov. 22, 2023.

Regional View

Syrian Kurdish village breeds ancient Saluki dogs amid ravages of war

Wealthy Arabs from the Gulf — sheikhs, emirs and princes included — are some of the top customers of Syria's Saluki breeders.

A woman sits with her German shepherd at the Barking Lot cafe in Saudi Arabia.

Quick Take

In cultural shift, Saudi Arabia allows pets on public transportation

Pet owners can now bring their pets onto buses, boats and trains in the kingdom, but only under certain conditions.

Egypt dog

Regional View

Egypt's dog breed ban leaves owners scrambling to save their pets

Only 10 dog breeds to be permitted in Egypt without "safety inspection" under measure prompted by high-profile case earlier this year.

A dog stands in the Great Court of the Temple of Karnak, Luxor, Egypt, Jan. 17, 2022.

Egyptians are abandoning their pets as cost of living shoots up

Many Egyptians have been forced to abandon their pets due to the rapid increase in the cost of living.

Ahmed Hidji

By Ahmed Hidji

dog turkey

Quick Take

Husky dog rescued from rubble 23 days after Turkey earthquakes

The dog’s overall health is good despite dramatic weight loss, volunteers say.

YURI CORTEZ/AFP via Getty Images

Iran mourns loss of Pirouz, critically endangered cheetah cub

Many Iranians had been closely following the critically endangered cheetah cub, which became a symbol of hope amid hardship and state repression.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Giza zoo

Regional View

Overhaul plan for Giza Zoo stirs controversy in Egypt

The historic zoo is in need of renovation, but critics fear that the government's announced plan may make things worse.

Boji, an Istanbul street dog takes a drink from bowls provided for stray animals inside the Kadikoy subway station before catching a train, Istanbul, Turkey, Oct. 21, 2021.

Regional View

Killing of dog enflames Turkish animal lovers on issue that divides society

Video of animal shelter worker beating a dog to death leads to protests and questions over treatment of stray animals.

Horses in Gaza

Regional View

Purebred Arabian horse festival held in Gaza

Amateurs and breeders of purebred Arabian horses in the Gaza Strip showcased the beauty of their horses during a festival held in Gaza.

Volunteer at the Sulala Society for Animal Care Saeed al-Err attends to stray dogs at the association's shelter in Gaza City, Gaza Strip, Sept. 9, 2020.

Regional View

Hebron mayor retracts order to kill stray dogs following backlash

Backlash against the mayor of Hebron's statements about killing stray dogs prompted him to retract his decision.

Ola Loutfi is seen with one of her dogs in front of the Dog Cafe, 6 October City, Giza governorate, Egypt, October 2022.

Regional View

Egypt’s first dog cafe opens

Ola Loutfi established the first cafe for dogs in Egypt offering dog owners a place to go with their four-legged friends.

Employees present three newborn lion cubs at Nama Zoo in Gaza City, Gaza Strip, Aug. 12, 2022.

Regional View

Gaza zoos rally to save newborn cubs

In the past, cubs have been eaten by starving lionesses.