Episode #42
The Dogs Of Turkey: What Is Really Happening? - Interview With Dominic Dyer
Send us Fan Mail In episode 42 of We Love Dogs, Iām joined by wildlife protection campaigner, writer and broadcaster Dominic Dyer for a conversation about one of the most difficult and upsetting animal-welfare issues currently facing dogs in Turkey. You may have seen some of the videos and photographs circulating online showing the treatment of Turkeyās street dogs. Some of the footage is incredibly distressing, but with so much information, footage and claims being shared online, it can be difficult to know exactly what is happening, what has been documented and what can actually be verified. So in this episode, I wanted to go beyond the social-media headlines and ask Dominic some difficult questions. We talk about the history of Turkeyās street-dog population and the culture of community dogs, what has changed in recent years, and the legislation affecting street dogs. Dominic explains what he has seen and learned through his campaigning, the evidence surrounding reports of dogs being removed and killed, and some of the disturbing claims involving poisoning, shooting and mass graves. We also discuss the importance of separating verified evidence from allegations and unverified information , and how people can be more careful when sharing upsetting content online. But this isnāt simply a conversation about the horrific side of the situation. We also look at the public-safety argument, whether Turkey genuinely has a street-dog population problem, and whether there are more humane and effective ways of managing the population. Dominic explains the potential role of: Neutering and spaying Vaccination and microchipping Catch-neuter-vaccinate-return programme Properly funded shelters International pressure and campaigning We also talk about the Turkish rescuers and ordinary people trying to help these dogs, and what people in the UK can realistically do if they want to support animals affected by the situation. And, because this is We Love Dogs, we look at the bigger question behind all of this: What happens when dogs become inconvenient to humans, and where should the balance lie between protecting people and protecting animals? This is an emotional and difficult subject, but the aim of this episode is to have an informed conversation ā to ask questions, examine the evidence and allow Dominic to explain what he knows from his experience as a long-standing animal and wildlife campaigner. Want to connect with Dominic? Details below: Email: dominicdyer@aol.com For more information about Dominicās work, you can also visit Born Free and Wildlife and Countryside Link . A note from Cheryl Some of the material discussed in this episode is extremely upsetting. The purpose of this conversation isnāt to sensationalise what is happening, but to understand the situation, ask difficult questions and look at the evidence and potential solutions. Listener discretion is advised. For questions or to work with Cheryl, you can reach her via: Website: Chel's Tails | Dog Walking and Training Email: cherylmarney@outlook.com Facebook: Chel's Tails Canine Coaching Instagram: @chelstails TikTok:@chelstails Podcast Facebook: We Love Dogs
