Veterinarian Dr. Burcu Çevreli, who evaluated the circular issued by the Istanbul Governor’s Office banning the uncontrolled feeding of dogs in public areas, said: “Scientific studies show that stress hormones increase in animals that are not fed regularly, aggression rises, and the risk of disease increases. This situation can lead to more dangerous outcomes for society.”
Stating that the increase in the population of rodents (mice, rats) and pests (cockroaches, flies, ticks, etc.) on the streets is a well-known and scientifically explained situation in terms of urban ecology and public health, Dr. Çevreli said: “Among the main reasons for this increase are the destruction of natural habitats, construction activities, infrastructure excavations, and the reduction of wooded and green areas.”
Dr. Burcu Çevreli, Faculty Member of the Department of Physiology at Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine, evaluated the circular issued by the Istanbul Governor’s Office banning the uncontrolled feeding of dogs in public areas.
A holistic approach is needed instead of a one-sided ban
Stating that feeding bans for stray animals are regulations that create multi-dimensional consequences in terms of public health, animal welfare, and urban ecology, Dr. Çevreli said: “For this reason, instead of a one-sided ban, a holistic approach based on scientific data is required. Scientific studies show that stress hormones increase in animals that are not fed regularly, aggression rises, and the risk of disease increases. This situation can lead to more dangerous outcomes for society.”
A feeding ban does not reduce the population
Dr. Çevreli noted that stray animals tend to protect the area they inhabit and defend it against external threats, and said: “In stray dogs, this behavior plays an important role in maintaining territorial order, preventing the entry of foreign packs, and preserving ecological balance. Suddenly starving and removing the population from the area leads to the entry of new groups into the area through the vacant space effect and causes the population cycle to continue in an uncontrolled manner. Therefore, a feeding ban does not reduce the population, but rather makes it unbalanced and unpredictable.”
Stray dogs will seek new food sources
Dr. Çevreli also stated that the complete banning of feeding points will cause animals to turn toward garbage containers in search of new food sources, increase traffic risks, and lead to more uncontrolled encounters with people, and said: “This increases, rather than decreases, human and stray animal contact and does not offer an effective solution in terms of public health.”
What are the reasons for the increase in rodents and pests
Dr. Çevreli also stated that the increase in the population of rodents (mice, rats) and pests (cockroaches, flies, ticks, etc.) on the streets is a well-known and scientifically explained situation in terms of urban ecology and public health, and said: “Among the main reasons for this increase are the destruction of habitats, construction activities, infrastructure excavations, and the reduction of wooded and green areas. Rodents and insects whose natural habitats are destroyed turn toward residential areas in search of food and shelter. Irregular pest control, improper chemical use, spraying only certain areas, garbage left in the open, organic waste that is not collected regularly, and trash containers without lids or with broken lids can cause the pest population to decrease uncontrollably in one area while increasing in another.”
The population should not be eliminated but managed in a healthy way
Pointing out that it is predicted that there will be a decrease in the number of stray animals as a result of feeding bans, Dr. Çevreli continued: “When this occurs, one of the possible outcomes is an increase in the risk of zoonotic diseases, and the other is the emergence of the ecological vacancy effect. A decrease in the population of cats in cities multiplies the number of rodents and pests. This seriously increases the risk of the spread of zoonotic diseases. Stray dogs compete with rodents and suppress rat populations in dumps and open areas. This can reduce rodent-borne zoonoses such as leptospirosis and hantavirus. The complete removal of dogs causes an increase in rats and garbage pests through the ecological vacancy effect. The goal should not be to eliminate the population, but to manage it in a healthy way in order to minimize environmental risks.”
All animals are born equal
Stating that every individual in society is obliged to act in accordance with legal obligations regarding the protection of animals, Dr. Çevreli concluded her remarks as follows: “All animals are born equal, and living is their right just as it is everyone else’s. This right is protected by law and strengthened by conscience.”