Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality ran an awareness campaign across the city to uphold animals’ right to life and help them live in better conditions. The campaign was coordinated by the Department of Veterinary Affairs, with support from the Department of Press, Broadcasting and Public Relations, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Services for Disabled People and Older People, the Department of Women’s Policies, and the Department of Parks and Gardens.

Organised as part of 4 October World Animal Day, the campaign aimed to help feed street animals at various locations across the city and raise public awareness of animal welfare and their right to life.

‘Protecting their right to life is our shared responsibility’

Veterinary surgeon Sertap Balkaya, who works at the Animal Shelter and Rehabilitation Centre under the Department of Veterinary Affairs, said protecting street animals’ right to life was a shared responsibility.

Balkaya said the department continued to carry out vaccination, neutering, treatment and surgical procedures, as well as work to provide food for street animals.

‘We are setting up feeding points’

Balkaya explained that feeding points had been set up at designated locations across the city to make it easier for street animals to access food and water.

“Our aim is not just to intervene and treat them. It is also to show that this city can be a more liveable place not only for us, but for street animals too,” Balkaya said.

‘Let’s put out a bowl of water and food outside our homes’

Balkaya also highlighted the approaching winter and called on residents to show consideration for street animals. Marking 4 October World Animal Day, Balkaya urged everyone to respect their right to life, saying: “Winter is approaching. If we put out a bowl of clean water and a bowl of food outside our front doors and gardens, it will go a long way towards helping them survive.”