Dostevi Project: Together for Stray Animals
Purpose and Scope of the Project:
The Dostevi Project is a comprehensive social responsibility initiative aimed at addressing the fundamental needs of stray animals, including shelter, care, and feeding. This project seeks to positively change society's perception of stray animals and foster a stronger bond between animals and humans.
Main Objectives of the Project:
Adoption and Post-Adoption Support: The project aims not only to find safe and loving homes for stray animals but also to ensure that their shelter, care, and feeding needs are regularly monitored and supported after adoption.
Preserving Emotional Bonds: The project encourages individuals who cannot keep pets at home to maintain emotional connections with animals through regular interactions at Dostevi shelters.
Developing Sensitivity in Children: By involving children in the care of animals housed at Dostevi, the project aims to instill a sense of responsibility and sensitivity towards animals in young minds.
The Dostevi Project is not just about finding homes for stray animals; it is also dedicated to ensuring the quality of life for these animals is maintained post-adoption, with active community involvement at every stage. The project allows those who cannot keep pets at home to still connect with animals through Dostevi, fostering strong, lasting bonds.
The New Concept of Dostevleri:
Name Change: The term "shelter" will be replaced with "dostevi," a word that carries a more positive and warm connotation. This change emphasizes that animals are not in a temporary refuge but in a permanent home of friendship.
Bridge of Friendship: Individuals who cannot keep pets at home will have the opportunity to visit Dostevleri regularly, adopt animals, spend time with them, and preserve their emotional connections.
Defending the Right to Life of Stray Animals
Discussions in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) regarding the euthanasia law for stray animals have sparked widespread concern and opposition among the public. Defending the right to life of stray animals is both an ethical and humanitarian obligation. If this bill were to be enacted, it raises the fear of increasing violence and neglect towards stray animals.
First and foremost, we must remember that animals are sentient beings. They can feel pain, fear, and love. As humans, we have a responsibility towards these creatures. Improving the living conditions of stray animals can be achieved through measures such as spaying, vaccination, and care. This approach allows us to address the issue of stray animals through humane methods.
Euthanasia is not a long-term and permanent solution; rather, it is a temporary measure that masks the problem. Spaying campaigns are more effective and humane for controlling the stray animal population. We see successful examples of this worldwide. For instance, in many European countries, stray animals have been managed through spaying, and this practice has sustainably reduced the animal population.
Moreover, we cannot overlook the ethical dimension of euthanasia. Ending a life should only be considered by qualified individuals in very specific circumstances. It is unacceptable to propose such measures for stray animals simply because they lack a living space or are deemed incompatible with humans. Every creature has an inherent right to life, and this right should not be arbitrarily taken away by us humans.
Raising awareness in society regarding stray animals, organizing educational campaigns, and fostering sensitivity towards these animals are also crucial. Collaboration between animal rights advocates, non-governmental organizations, and the state is essential for finding permanent and humane solutions to this issue.
In conclusion, the euthanasia law for stray animals contradicts humanitarian and ethical values. We must oppose this bill, advocate for the rights of stray animals, and offer humane solutions. As a society, we should not forget that these beings also have the right to coexist with us, and we must take responsibility for their well-being. Protecting the right to life of stray animals is not only our humanitarian duty but also our moral responsibility.
July 22, 2024
Sevim DALGIÇ GÜL