Millions of stray dogs massacred in Turkey following controversial new law

Millions of stray dogs rounded up and killed in Turkey following the passing of a controversial new law calling for them to be put down, reports the Daily Mail.

According to the news report, the law, drawn up by President Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AK Party, was introduced amid concerns about attacks, road accidents and rabies in the country, which has an estimated 4 million stray dogs.

'Pictures and videos shared on social media have shown the scale of the 'massacre', with people reportedly hunting down and killing the animals after the legislation was passed at the end of July.

'While it is aimed at removing the dogs off the streets and putting them into shelters, the law does state that any dogs showing aggressive behaviour or those with untreatable diseases will be put down.

'The country currently has 322 animal shelters with a capacity for 105,000 dogs, according to the bill, far short of what would be needed to round up the number of strays, which had led many to think large numbers would be put down.'