Charity scrambles to save dogs amid cull fears

Happy Paws Puppy Rescue has rehomed around 1,600 strays over 10 years

An Eastbourne-based charity is working to save stray dogs in Turkey following fears of a possible government cull.

The Happy Paws Puppy Rescue shelter is cooperating with pounds inside the Middle Eastern country to rehome the animals in the UK.

Turkey passed a controversial law in July to get millions of dogs off the streets and into shelters, but critics claim it could lead to mass culling to save cost and space, with many facilities already overcrowded.

Lisa Smart, of the Happy Paws charity, said: "Its just staggering to think that these little souls, who are very trusting, very sweet, will be rounded up, taken away."

Ms Smart suggested a better approach would be to spay and neuter the animals, pointing out that a programme by run by her charity in the area had helped population control.

"Its not a quick fix, but it's the correct way," she said, adding that the current solution is "unnecessary and cruel".

Opposition lawmakers in Turkey have vowed to appeal the legislation in court

Ms Smart's rescue centre in Turkey has just had to find extra space to take in 21 dogs - all Golden Retrievers - on top of the 55 currently there.

She is concerned about the cost of looking after and rehoming so many animals.

In September, the charity is bringing 13 dogs to Lewes, East Sussex, where they will be given to new owners.

Adoption

Turkey's government estimates there are around four million stray dogs in the country.

Some locals are fond of the animals, which are largely tame, leaving out food and water. Others want them off the streets.

Turkish lawmakers say stray dogs are attacking people or causing serious traffic accidents.

Under the new rules, any dogs with untreatable diseases or are aggressive will be put down, though Turkey's government insists all healthy animals will be put up for adoption.