Stray animals in the terms of administrative law

The relationship between humans and animals has existed in various forms throughout history. In this relationship, sometimes the protection of animals has been prioritized, and sometimes human needs have taken precedence over the right to life of animals. With the development of animal rights in modern societies, the responsibilities of the state towards animals have become more visible. In particular, stray animals are a matter of environmental and public health as well as a subject of duty and authority debates in terms of administrative law. Stray animals may cause problems in various areas such as public order, health, environmental safety and individuals' right to life with their increasing population in many cities today. The protection, care, control and, when necessary, rehabilitation of these animals are among the duties that the administration must fulfill in line with both the social state principle and the public interest. However, structural and legal problems encountered in the practices regarding stray animals make it necessary to question whether the administration fulfills this duty adequately and effectively. In this study, administrative regulations and practices regarding stray animals are evaluated within the framework of administrative law principles. The legal basis of the measures taken for stray animals, the powers and responsibilities of administrative authorities and the legal gaps in this field have been examined in detail. In particular, the institutional inadequacies, lack of supervision and lack of coordination faced by municipalities in fulfilling their duties regarding stray animals are emphasized.