Skip to main content

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.
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.

ISTANBUL — Visitors to Turkey are often taken aback by the care shown to stray cats and dogs as they stroll streets dotted with improvised kennels and bowls of food. But the killing of a dog last week has opened a fierce row over the treatment of animals. 

Footage of a worker beating the dog to death with a shovel at a municipal animal shelter in Konya sparked outrage and led to people protesting outside the facility, some freeing caged animals. 

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.