Abstract:

This study aims to examine the changing status of stray animals in the context of urbanization in Turkey and developed countries. When viewed from a historical perspective, the domestication of some animal species in the Neolithic period and the establishment of modern cities with the urbanization that started after the industrial revolution can be shown as the most critical turning points that determine the relationship between humans and animals. Domestication of the animal made the animals dependent on humans and the animal was introduced into human settlements by man. Urbanization after the industrial revolution caused the extinction of some wild animal species, as well as the destruction of areas where stray animals could live and the exclusion of animals from cities. When we look at Western society, starting from the 18th century, especially in the 19th century, with the understanding that they posed a threat to health and hygiene, the stray animals were killed, and this has led to their destruction from the cities. In Turkish society, stray animals were generally accepted as residents of the city until the 19th century. However, in the 19th century, as urbanization and contacts with the West began to increase and the traditional neighbourhood texture began to deteriorate, the relations established with stray animals changed and stray animals became surplus in the city. For these reasons, from the 19th century until the end of the 20th century, interventions were made by killing stray animals, especially dogs, from cities, primarily Istanbul. Today, stray animals are still seen as a threat in modern cities. In this direction, even if they are not killed openly, they are collected, thrown out of the city, or imprisoned in shelters in very unhealthy conditions. The study is based on literature research. In line with the purpose of the study, previous academic studies, press news, legal legislation, internet pages of organizations for helping stray animals, and published works related to the subject were scanned. The data obtained were examined in the context of urbanization and the changing status of stray animals was tried to be determined.

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