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.
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. — Chris McGrath/Getty Images

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. 

Related Topics

Subscribe for unlimited access

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more

$14 monthly or $100 annually ($8.33/month)
OR

Continue reading this article for free

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more.

By signing up, you agree to Al-Monitor’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Already have an account? Log in