Turkish assembly clears way for ‘massacre law’ to round up stray dogs

A stray dog rests on a banner that reads ‘withdraw the legislation’ during a protest by animal rights activists in Ankara (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

Politicians have approved a new law aimed at removing millions of stray dogs from Turkey’s streets that animal lovers fear will lead to many of the dogs being killed or ending up in overcrowded shelters.

Some also say the law could also be used to target the opposition which made huge gains in the country’s local elections months ago.