Over a month since a massive earthquake hit Turkey, PETA continues rescuing dogs and other pets left behind.
On February 6th, 2023. A 7.8 magnitude earthquake erupted across Turkey, reaching northwestern Syria. According to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, the earthquake has claimed over 47,000 Turkish lives, and over 5,000 people in Syria—including aid workers—have also died.
For PETA, Dogs in Turkey Are Also Disaster Victims
Among the massive humanitarian crisis unfolding,—approximately 8.8 million people are within the earthquake’s radius—Turkey’s animals are also being affected. Thankfully, PETA immediately sent rescue groups to the area to find and rescue abandoned pets. Amazingly, rescue workers are risking their own lives climbing into crumbling buildings to rescue people’s beloved pets.
In a video posted on Twitter, PETA UK’s Vice President, Mimi Bekhechi relates how grave the scenes on the ground are. “I encourage everyone to continue doing everything they can to help the earthquake victims—of all species,” said Bekhechi.
The Situation for Dogs in Turkey Was Already Hard
The thought of dogs suffering even more intensely in Turkey is especially disturbing considering the country’s troubling history with dogs.
Historically, the Turkish people have lived amiably among stray dogs. Particularly in Istanbul, communal ownership of street dogs is a tradition stemming from the Ottoman Empire. However, as Turkey began modernizing in the 20th century, these dogs became associated with poverty and destitution.
Unfortunately, the government’s solution at the time was disastrous for the dogs. The Hayirsizada Dog Massacre is by far one of the worst episodes of violence against dogs by humans. You can read more about the history here, but suffice it to say the event left an indelible mark on the country.
Since then, stray dog overpopulation continues to be a divisive political topic in Turkey. Among misinformation, dubiously effective government programs, and a lack of resources, it’s ultimately the dogs that lose.
Responding, Vice President Bekhechi said, “Because companion animal overpopulation was a major issue in the country before the earthquakes, countless cats and dogs…now have no source of food. In addition to arranging food drops in the hardest-hit areas, we’re helping with sterilization efforts to prevent more animals from being born into a world in which every day is a struggle for survival.”
Notably, Bekhechi also said that even through the darkest moments, being able to reunite pets with their families continues giving aid workers hope.
