I am profoundly distressed, as are many worldwide citizens and animal advocates, by the newly passed law in Turkey authorising the mass killing of stray dogs. This horrific law was introduced by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP), with the support of its ally, the Nationalist Movement Party. This law stands in stark contrast to global scientists recently acknowledging animals as sentient beings. The suffering inflicted on these animals through slow death by poisoning should be punishable in this day and age, not made law by fascist regimes enabling the mass murder of dogs and cats. This has no place in civilised, compassionate societies.

In fact, it is estimated that this cruel legislation could result in the terrible death of approximately 4 million street dogs and cats. This is not the act of a country that aligns with European Union values. If the European Union upholds the principle of animal consciousness, which has been globally recognised by scholars, then it must stand against this brutally regressive law and refuse Turkeys entry to the EU.

In this modern era, no state should endorse or legalise the mass killing of animals. Animal cruelty should be a punishable act, not a legally enforced mass extermination. Such inhumane practices should have no place in the European Union, an organisation that is grounded in respect for human rights and animal welfare. 

This is why if the mass killing of street dogs and cats goes ahead, we are calling for the urgent withdrawal of Turkey's accession to the European Union  No country that supports such brutal and unjust treatment of sentient beings has any place in an organisation like the EU that values compassion, justice and progress. 

Raise your voice against the out-dated and inhumane policies that imperil animal welfare in Turkey. Sign this petition to advocate for a change that will save the lives of millions of stray dogs and cats. Let's show that global unity can make a difference for our four-legged friends urgently in need! Stand with us, for the rights and welfare of animals. Say no to Turkey joining the European Union under such grim circumstances. Urgent action is needed to stop this barbarism now. Please, sign and share this petition far and wide.