Istanbul Provincial Animal Protection Board Meeting Held at Disaster and Emergency Directorate under the Chairmanship of Governor Gül with the Partici

The Istanbul Provincial Animal Protection Board Meeting, chaired by Mr. Davut Gül, Governor of Istanbul and attended by Mr. M. Ergün Turan, the Mayor of Fatih Municipality was held at the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Disaster and Emergency. Mayor Turan stated that comprehensive efforts regarding stray animals—from rehabilitation to sterilization, adoption to increasing shelter capacity—are being carried out with a “right to life” approach.

Chaired by Mr. Davut Gül, the Governor of İstanbul and hosted at the Istanbul Provincial Disaster and Emergency Directorate, the meeting served as a significant platform for evaluating the ongoing efforts to protect stray animals across the city. Mr. Cafer Sarılı, the Governor of Fatih District and Mr. M. Ergün Turan, the Mayor of Fatih Municipality were among the key participants.

Sharing insights into the multifaceted efforts in Fatih aimed at protecting, treating, and providing more livable conditions for stray animals, Mr. Turan, the Mayor emphasized that rehabilitation and treatment processes are conducted regularly and systematically. He noted that these processes are not merely temporary solutions but part of a long-term improvement plan.

Highlighting that sterilization and adoption efforts help both to enhance animal welfare and to prevent uncontrolled reproduction, Mr. Turan, the Mayor stated that these activities are carried out in cooperation with volunteer organizations and concerned citizens. The adoption process for sterilized and health-checked animals involves careful matching, and follow-ups are conducted to ensure the well-being of animals in their new homes.

Mr. Turan, the Mayor also mentioned the work of mobile teams working in the field to ensure the regular feeding of stray animals, saying that these teams respond to increased demand, especially in winter and summer, and carry out routine feeding activities at various points in the district. He noted that these efforts involve not only feeding but also monitoring the animals' general health and intervening when necessary.

Touching on the ongoing projects to increase the capacity of the Yedikule Animal Shelter, Mr. Turan underlined that the shelter is not just a care and accommodation facility but also a center for health services, education, and awareness. He stated that the infrastructure is being strengthened, veterinary services expanded, and the shelter is being prepared to temporarily or permanently accommodate more animals as part of the capacity-building efforts.

Stating that all these efforts are undertaken with the understanding that “every living being’s right to life is sacred,” the Mayor emphasized that municipal governance should not be limited to human-centered services. "Every living being is part of our public responsibility. We do not view our efforts for stray animals as temporary measures, but as fundamental elements of a city vision to be passed on to future generations,” he said.

The meeting also addressed topics such as enhancing the effectiveness of practices across Istanbul, improving data sharing and coordination among district municipalities, raising the standards of shelters, and expanding cooperation with non-governmental organizations.

Fatih Municipality’s field-oriented, data-driven, and inclusive approach was praised by representatives from other districts attending the meeting. Mr. Turan expressed their openness to all collaborations regarding animal rights and affirmed their commitment to promoting this awareness both at the local and national levels.