Proposals for legislative changes on stray dogs from Üsküdar University to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye!
“Proposals for Legal Changes on Stray Dogs within the Framework of Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth”, which was prepared with the contributions of Üsküdar University Environmental Platform Director Prof. İbrahim Özdemir, was sent to the Presidency of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye with a cover letter signed by President of Üsküdar University Prof. Nevzat Tarhan.
Prof. İbrahim Özdemir stated that "Stray animals, especially dogs and cats, are a part of our society, and it is our religious and humanitarian responsibility to ensure their welfare," and continued his remarks as follows: "While the law on stray dogs is being discussed in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, we invite all the public to embrace and share the understanding presented in Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth."
"Proposals for Legal Changes on Stray Dogs within the Framework of Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth ", prepared with the contributions of Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences faculty member and Environmental Platform Director Prof. İbrahim Özdemir, was sent to the Presidency of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye with a cover letter signed by President of Üsküdar University Prof. Nevzat Tarhan.
"Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth” was unveiled in Nairobi on February 27, 2024
Üsküdar University Environmental Platform Director Prof. İbrahim Özdemir expressed that this study is a summary on the issue of stray dogs in Türkiye within the framework of Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth, in which Üsküdar University is among the team, within the scope of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). Özdemir stated that "Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth is a joint working text carried out within the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Faith for the Earth Initiative, to which Muslim thought leaders from around the world contribute.” Özdemir explained that it was introduced at the United Nations General Assembly on the Environment held in Nairobi on February 27, 2024, with the theme "Effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral actions to combat climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution".
Cooperation with more than 300 Islamic institutions and international partners
Prof. İbrahim Özdemir stated that Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth, in which Üsküdar University is among the team within the scope of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), reveals the teachings of Islam on the environment and animal rights based on an ethic of compassion that covers all creatures, and made the following remarks:
"The preparation process of Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth started in 2019 and had its final form in 2024 after five years of hard work. In this process, cooperation was made with more than 300 Islamic institutions and international partners from various parts of the Islamic world, including Al-Azhar University. Within the scope of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth, in which Üsküdar University was among the team, was translated and published by Üsküdar University with the support of Prof. Nevzat Tarhan. A copy of the work was sent to the Presidency of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, the members of the Parliamentary Environment Commission, the Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and all relevant officials as part of our social responsibility, especially President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and First Lady Emine Erdoğan. The work contributed to the formation of public opinion in Türkye on environmental awareness."
The Qur'an emphasizes that all living things are entrusted by Allah
Stating that Islamic civilization, which is the Islamic foundation of "Al-Mizan", advises us to walk on earth with humility and to approach all living things with compassion, Prof. İbrahim Özdemir stated that "This understanding, which accepts that every living thing created by Allah is valuable, can guide us in the protection and welfare of animals. The Qur'an emphasizes that all living things are entrusted by Allah as it is stated ‘All that is in the heaven and the earth belongs to Allah’ (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:284). In this context, mercy and compassion for animals is not only a human responsibility, but also a religious obligation."
The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated that those who torture animals will be punished
Emphasizing that the care and love shown by the Prophet towards animals sets an example for Muslims today as it did in history, Prof. İbrahim Özdemir said that "The Prophet heralded that a person who saves a dog from thirst will enter paradise, and those who torture animals will be punished. The solutions to be developed regarding stray dogs should be shaped in line with the principles of compassion and justice of Islam. Instead of killing animals, methods such as controlling their populations, improving living conditions and raising awareness of the society about animal rights should be preferred. These approaches will enable us to do the right thing both from a humanitarian and religious point of view."
It is possible to develop more humane and compassionate solutions for stray animals
Prof. İbrahim Özdemir expressed that "In this context, developing more humane and compassionate solutions for stray animals will be both a moral responsibility and one of the most valuable legacies we will leave to our future under the guidance of ‘Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth’ and inspired by the compassionate heritage of Islamic civilization.” Özdemir added that it is possible to leave a world where all living things live in peace to our grandchildren with the decisions to be taken.
Al-Mizan proposes a morality of compassion that encompasses all creatures
Stating that Al-Mizan emphasizes that animals walking on earth and birds flying in the sky are communities like humans, as stated in the Qur'an, Prof. İbrahim Özdemir made the following remarks:
"Islamic values promote the conservation of biodiversity and emphasize the need to protect the extinction of animals. Al-Mizan proposes an ethic of mercy that encompasses all creatures. It advises Muslims and all people to walk on the earth with humility. Al-Mizan draws attention to the importance of protecting the mental health and psychological well-being of animals. The welfare of animals is taken care of by regulations such as the prohibition of imprisoning animals in cramped or unsuitable conditions, the prohibition of slaughtering a baby animal in front of its mother, and the prohibition of organizing recreational fights between animals. Although animals do not have the right to property, their right to adequate care is guaranteed. Humans have an obligation to meet the needs of animals and treat them well. This ensures that the physical and emotional well-being of the animals is maintained."
Islamic law provides strong protection for the environment and animal rights
Explaining that Al-Mizan emphasizes that Islamic law provides strong protection for the environment and animal rights, Prof. İbrahim Özdemir stated that "Basic environmental elements and life resources such as waters, pastures, forests and wildlife are the common property of all members of the society, and individuals have the right to benefit from them. Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth calls for the application of Islam's principles of mercy, humility, and justice to animal rights and environmental protection. In this context, it emphasizes that all kinds of measures for the right to life and welfare of animals should be taken in a humane and fair manner. This is essential for the construction of a world order that respects the rights of all living things."
The Ottoman Empire is known for its mercy and compassion for animals
Noting that the Ottoman Empire, one of the brightest periods of Islamic civilization, was known for its mercy and compassion for animals, Prof. İbrahim Özdemir said that "The importance given to animal rights in Ottoman society was embodied by the establishment of many foundations. Foundations have exhibited the best examples of social compassion and justice by serving not only people but also animals. These foundations have demonstrated their commitment to ensuring the welfare of animals based on faith and moral values. This compassion-based approach of the Ottomans inspires us to find humane and sustainable solutions to the problem of stray animals today."
Dogs and cats are part of our society
Stating that the proposals presented aim to protect the right to life of animals and to spread awareness of animal rights in our society by continuing the compassionate legacy of the Ottoman Empire towards animals, Prof. İbrahim Özdemir stated that "From this point of view, stray animals, especially dogs and cats, are a part of our society, and it is our religious and humanitarian responsibility to ensure their welfare."
It aims to improve the welfare of animals
Stating that "Developing humane and sustainable solutions for animals not only protects their right to life, but also ensures social peace and justice by staying true to the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad," Prof. İbrahim Özdemir said that their proposal aims to increase the welfare of animals in line with the principles of mercy and compassion of Islam and to spread awareness of animal rights in our society. Explaining that the observations of Western travelers towards dogs and other animals during their travels to the Ottoman Empire and other Muslim geographies also revealed the compassion and respect shown by Muslim societies towards animals, Prof. İbrahim Özdemir stated that these impressions showed the importance that Islamic civilization attaches to animal rights and the high standards in this regard.
The problem of stray dogs is also caused by local and central governments
Prof. İbrahim Özdemir stated that "The problem of stray dogs and the increasing population is not caused by innocent animals that cannot defend themselves; however, by irresponsible dog owners and local and central governments who have been insensitive to this problem for decades, ignoring it and not taking the necessary precautions. This problem has been increased by insensitive owners abandoning animals on the street, as well as inadequate efforts to improve effective sterilization and shelter conditions. The solution to the problem will only be possible if all stakeholders fulfill their responsibilities and act more compassionately and consciously towards animals. Therefore, while the law on stray dogs is being debated in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, we invite all the public to embrace and share the understanding presented in Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth. It is our duty to find science-based solutions for environmental protection and animals that are compatible with our values and historical heritage."
A religious and humanitarian responsibility
Drawing attention to the draft law that envisages amendments to the Animal Protection Law submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, Prof. İbrahim Özdemir stated that "It has become necessary to present our proposals within the framework of the "Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth" program, in which Üsküdar University is among the team, within the scope of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) regarding the changes to be made regarding the problem of stray dogs in Türkiye. Because stray animals, especially dogs and cats, are a part of our society, and it is our religious and humanitarian responsibility to alleviate their suffering and ensure their welfare. Developing humane and sustainable solutions for animals not only protects their right to life, but also ensures social peace and justice by staying true to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad."
Prof. İbrahim Özdemir stated the recommendations include the titles of "Development of Sterilization and Release Programs", "Improvement of Shelter Conditions, Promotion of Adoption and Educational Programs", "Dissemination and Accessibility of Veterinary Services", "Community-Based Animal Welfare Programs", "Legal Assurance of Animal Rights and Implementation Supervision" and "Protection and Development of Natural Habitats" that within the framework of the " Al-Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth" program.
"It is not religiously objectionable to sterilize stray animals"
The High Council of Religious Affairs of the Presidency of Religious Affairs stated that "Animals have reproductive rights like humans and it is not appropriate to prevent these rights. It is not permissible to sterilize animals unless there is a necessary and legitimate reason. However, it is not religiously objectionable to sterilize stray animals, if it does not prevent the pregnancy of pets and does not disturb the ecological balance due to the interest of the society." Referring to the statement, Prof. İbrahim Özdemir said that "Sterilization ensures a sustainable decrease in the population and makes the killing of stray animals not required. Neutered animals should be released back to their natural habitat after being kept under care for a certain period of time. It is necessary to make shelters safe, healthy and suitable for living for animals. This protects the physical and psychological well-being of animals. Keeping animals in cramped or unsuitable environments should be prohibited, and it should be ensured that each animal has adequate space and care facilities. Improved shelter conditions ensure that animals are healthier and happier, accelerating their rehabilitation processes and increasing adoption rates."
Natural habitats must be protected
Emphasizing that the adoption of stray animals should be encouraged, and awareness of animal adoption should be increased, Prof. İbrahim Özdemir also listed the following suggestions:
"Educational programs and campaigns should raise awareness of the society on animal rights and welfare. Stray animals should be provided with regular veterinary services and vaccination programs should be implemented to prevent diseases. Local governments and non-governmental organizations should cooperate to improve society's attitudes and behaviors towards stray animals. Neighborhood-based animal feeding and care groups should be established, and feeding and caring for stray animals should be made a social responsibility. The natural habitats of animals should be protected, and new habitats should be created. This allows the animals to live in their natural habitat and maintain ecosystem balance. Moreover, the protection of natural habitats ensures that animals are kept away from the dangers of urban life."
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)