During the regular council meeting of Bodrum Municipality in May 2023, held at the Bodrum Municipality Herodot Culture and Art Center in Konacık neighborhood, important decisions were made regarding stray animals.
Chaired by Bodrum Deputy Mayor Emel Çakaloğlu, the council meeting was broadcasted live on social media accounts with a transparent understanding of municipal governance. After the opening of the council and the voting on excuses, the meeting minutes were discussed to determine whether any material errors had been made. Then, 15 items were presented for voting in the council.
The most notable items discussed in the council meeting were the 4th and 10th articles regarding the protection of stray animals. Bodrum Municipality, which advocates for the equal right to life of all living beings and respect for animal rights, presented the 4th article for the safety of stray animals, while also presenting the 10th article as a precaution against using animals as test subjects in the council’s vote.
Animals Under the Protection of the Municipality Cannot Be Used as Test Subjects
During the council meeting, it was unanimously agreed that animals under the protection of Bodrum Municipality’s Stray Animal Temporary Shelter and Rehabilitation Centers should not be given to any institution as a test subject under any circumstances, and the issue of Bodrum Municipality joining the ranks of Unscrupulous Municipalities was also discussed and agreed upon.
Regarding the issue of “test subjects,” Bodrum Municipality’s Director of Veterinary Affairs, Engin Doğan, provided information on the protection of animal rights and the article’s submission to the council. During the discussion, an internationally recognized animated film on “Respect for Animal Rights” was shown.
Warning Signs to Residential Areas.
In another item on the agenda of the parliamentary meeting, the commission report dated 28/04/2023 regarding the proposal to install warning signs on the residential area roads of Bodrum to prevent drivers from hitting pets and causing accidents due to excessive speed was discussed.
While the commission report stated that 73 signs were installed at 53 points related to the issue, it was also stated that signs would be installed in other suitable points if deemed necessary. The commission report was unanimously approved.
Adoption Efforts Continue
Bodrum Municipality is carrying out intensive efforts for the adoption of animals under protection at the Bodrum Temporary Animal Shelter and Rehabilitation Centers. Adoption efforts continue through the municipality’s website, center visitors, and associations.
“Alternative Scientific Methods Can Be Used Instead of Animal Testing”
Bodrum Mayor Ahmet Aras stated that he could not attend the May council meeting due to his busy schedule, and emphasized the importance of not interfering with the right to life of street animals, just like every other living being, in terms of humanity and conscience. Aras said, “Since the day we took office, we have been carrying out important works to protect animal rights. The two important items discussed in the May council meeting are vital to protect our animals. Many cosmetic brands and many others use animals as test subjects, subjecting them to many pains. We take precautions not to participate in this inhuman act as Bodrum Municipality. Because alternative scientific methods can be used for experiments conducted on animals. Additionally, we have placed many warning signs at certain points to protect animals roaming the streets. This is a study to increase the perception of our citizens who use their vehicles and to ensure their attention. I request our citizens who use their vehicles to be more careful both for their own safety and for the safety of street animals. Also, many cute friends are waiting for their owners at our rehabilitation centers,” and concluded his speech with the message “Adopt, don’t buy!”
Source: (BYZHA) Beyaz Haber Ajansı
