Demo in Vienna: Together against the massacre of street animals!

Demo in Vienna: Together against the massacre of street animals!

Bundesländerplatz, 1060 Wien, Österreich - In Turkey, the situation for street animals is dramatically head for. A new law under the AKP government of President Erdoğan, which was passed in May 2024 and confirmed by the Constitutional Court in 2025, allows the massive killing of stray dogs and cats. This law has already resulted in countless documented cases of violence against animals, including brutal fan actions and poisoning. The living conditions for animals in official collection points are precarious, and the support of people who want to help these animals are often difficult by state repression. The numbers speak for themselves: Over four million street animals live in Turkey and are often an integral part of urban life. This is referred to as "genocide in road animals", while animal welfare organizations such as Animal Eden e.V. demand immediate protection for animals and rely on active support for the helpers. In addition, Morocco, in the fairway of the upcoming Football World Cup 2030, raises the demand to kill up to three million dogs and cats-another dark chapter in animal welfare. Oekoreich reports A demonstration on June 21st in Vienna should take place to draw attention to the catastrophic situation of the street animals and to show solidarity with the helpers.

The preparations for the demonstration are in full swing. A central concern of the organizers is to set an example against the state -legitimized killing. Protest actions are also planned in various German cities to put pressure on Turkey and FIFA.

necessary measures and support

The CHP parliamentary group in Turkey has now submitted an application to the Supreme Constitutional Court to abolish the street animal law. Gökhan Günaydin, deputy chairman of the CHP, argues that it violates animal rights and public interest. The aim of the application is to enforce TNVR programs (capture, neuter, vaccinate, release) that would enable a humane solution. But the objection was dismissed, which is a bitter setback for animal welfare. Veto continues to support the street dogs and animal rights activists and has already invested over 75,000 euros in medical care and infrastructure.

More and more animal welfare organizations are calling for an immediate moratorium for the mass killing and the resumption of castration programs. These calls include the need for international controls and compliance with animal welfare standards. There are numerous reports on the harrowing conditions in state reception camps in which animals are brutally treated. Political power struggles and corruption have also led to the mismanagement in animal protection, which further tightens the situation. Mobilization for the protection of animals.