The Animal Protection Law (2004) is unusual in that it provides no specific definition of ‘animal’ and instead, the Law explicitly states that ‘all animals are born equal’. This ultimately means that every animal, no matter the species or class, is provided protection under the Law. While there is no formal recognition of sentience, there is formal recognition of physical and psychological suffering. The Government of Turkey should be praised for the detailed regulations provided with regards to live animal transportation. These regulations ensure that all animals are cared for in a species-specific manner as well as provided rest periods during longer journeys. Similarly, regulations governing the establishment and operation of zoos require multiple inspections of a facility from the local authorities before a zoo can be opened to the public. The establishment of provincial animal welfare committees is also a positive step, since these committees are made up of representatives from multiple government departments including health and education, resulting in animal welfare solutions that are likely to be wholistic in nature.

However, there are some limitations in the protections provided to animals under Turkish Law. Secondary legislation for farmed animals such as broiler chickens, while aligning with EU and OIE standards, neglect to prohibit acts of cruelty or require staff to treat such animals in a humane manner. Furthermore, despite being protected under the Animal Protection Law (2004), animals are still used in fur farms across the country.

All animal welfare legislation and supplementary regulations assign responsibility to government ministries including Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. However, the names and functions of these ministries have subsequently changed resulting in a situation where no government body is assigned responsibility for ensuring and improving animal welfare in Turkey.

 
Since 2014, Turkey has taken steps to improve animal welfare in the country through increased secondary regulations such as the minimum standards for calves and egg-laying hens. Similarly, reports suggest that a new animal welfare bill is currently being drafted by the Turkish Government to ensure the wellbeing of the country’s animals.

The Government of Turkey is encouraged to amend the Animal Protection Law (2004) to explicitly state that all animals ‘have a right to a good life’ within the provisions of the Law. The Government of Turkey is encouraged to amend the Animal Protection Law (2004) to include a definition of animal welfare, in line with the OIE that explicitly promotes the Five Freedoms. The Government of Turkey is urged to fully ban fur farming. Fur farming is inherently cruel and causes pain, distress and suffering to animals. Further legal and policy recommendations are associated with each Animal Protection Index (API) indicator and contained in the relevant sections of this report.