Within the framework of the science-based guidance and counselling function of TÜBA, in order to draw attention to the social and health problems related to stray animals and to develop solutions, a symposium on ‘Stray Animals: Social Problems and Public Health’ symposium was held.  Prof. Dr. Bilal ÜSTÜNDAĞ, Prof. Dr. Soner ÖZGEN, our Dean Prof. Dr. Kazim ŞAHİN, Provincial Director of Agriculture Ali KILIÇ, Provincial Director of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Hikmet ŞİŞECİOĞLU, faculty members and students attended the symposium.

Speaking at the opening of the symposium, our Dean Prof. Dr. Kazim ŞAHİN stated that the number of stray stray animals in our country is increasing rapidly, and that the number of stray stray dogs in Turkey is announced as 2.8 million by 2023.

Prof. Dr. Fahrettin GÖKTAŞ, Rector of our University, stated that many countries have solved the issue with different solution proposals about the uncontrolled increase in the population of stray dogs turning into a social problem, and that law amendments are being made in the Turkish Grand National Assembly in this regard, but that our scientists and universities will make the most important contribution to this issue.

Prof. Dr. Muzaffer ŞEKER, President of TÜBA, stated that this symposium will contribute to the effective handling of existing problems related to stray animals by providing long-term solution suggestions. Prof. Dr. ŞEKER said, ‘This event will allow participants to update their existing knowledge, gain new perspectives and develop effective strategies. At the end of the symposium, the papers of the speakers will be published as a comprehensive book, shared with relevant institutions and presented to the benefit of policy makers.’ In the symposium programme, where more than 30 participants will share their findings and solution proposals, strategies will be developed to raise public awareness and sensitivity, and education and awareness campaigns for stray animals will be planned. In this context, four sessions titled ‘Stray Pets and Public Health, Sustainable Solutions for Recruitment of Stray Pets to Society, Pets and Health and Zoonotic Diseases’ will be held.