It has been reported in the written and visual media that an elderly woman lost her life due to a dog attack while working in a field in the Imamoğlu district of Adana. Especially there has been an increase in incidents of death, serious injury, or rabies cases as a result of dog attacks in our country recently. Unattended dog attacks not only result in loss of life and injuries to humans but also lead to traffic accidents, security issues, and various infectious diseases such as rabies.

These outcomes, which affect human health and bodily integrity, also violate the 'Right to Life' within the context of human rights. The European Convention on Human Rights regulates that everyone's right to life is protected by law, stating that not only is it unlawful to kill humans but also that those whose lives are in danger will be protected by law. Accordingly, there is a need to increase efforts to expand and implement measures related to the protection of stray and helpless animals under the title 'Protection of Stray and Helpless Animals' in the scope of Law No. 5199 on the Protection of Animals.

Attacks of this kind, which endanger the right to life and directly affect a person's social life, can have far worse effects on vulnerable groups. In this regard, addressing the legal gaps concerning dog attacks, taking into account individuals who are physically unable to protect themselves such as children, disabled, and elderly, is crucial in preventing human rights violations. In this context, it is of critical importance for state actors, relevant authorities, or local managements to ensure individuals can move safely through comprehensive/preventive methods.

Our Institution main mission of which is “to protect and promote human rights” is responsible for monitoring legislative studies related to its field of duty, evaluating them, and conveying its views and suggestions to relevant authorities. In line with this, while closely monitoring incidents of increased stray dog attacks in recent times, states that institution is open to providing support to efforts for addressing legislative insufficiency with relevant authorities and municipalities.

Respectfully announced to the public.