By Pinar Ozyurek | Director of Philanthropy
Dear TPF Donors,
Because of your generosity, thousands of animals across Turkiye have been seen, heard, and cared for. Through your support of TPF’s Street Animal Fund, we raised more than $5,500 and our partner Dört Ayakli Sehir has continued its life-saving work—providing shelter, medical care, and love to our four-legged neighbors in need. Thank you for standing by them. Your kindness and commitment are truly making a difference.
Dört Ayakli Sehir’s Continued Efforts to Protect and Care for Animals
In 2024, Dört Ayakli Sehir remained steadfast in its mission to protect the rights and well-being of street animals across Turkiye. In response to new legal regulations that have increased the vulnerability of these animals, the organization acted swiftly to safeguard their welfare and bring attention to their plight.
Through a combination of innovative research, emergency interventions, and strong community collaboration, Dört Ayakl Sehir has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of animals living on the streets.
Earthquake Recovery and Rescue Campaigns
Following the devastating 2023 earthquakes, the organization continued its work through the “From Ruins to Life” program. This initiative has provided crucial recovery services for animals affected by the disaster, offering them the care and support needed to survive and heal.
Simultaneously, the “Rescue My Companion” campaign, launched in September 2024, expanded its reach and impact. Working alongside civil society organizations, artists, poets, musicians, and performers, the campaign has raised awareness and mobilized action on behalf of vulnerable street animals.
As part of this campaign, 486 at-risk cats and dogs living in shelters were neutered, treated, and rehomed to safe environments. Many of these animals also received vaccinations to protect them from rabies, mixed parasites, and internal and external infections, especially in high-risk areas. Collaborations with volunteers and veterinary clinics helped expedite treatment processes, ensuring more animals received the timely care they needed.
Healing and Rehoming
Special attention was given to animals that had experienced trauma or required advanced medical care. The organization arranged rehoming events specifically for victims of abuse and violence. Follow-up visits and monitoring were conducted to ensure that the adopted animals continued to receive proper care in their new homes.
Feeding support was another vital aspect of the campaign. More than two tonnes of food were distributed, and volunteers regularly fed animals in over twenty cities across Turkiye. During the winter months, emergency feeding programs were launched to support animals unable to find food—particularly in rural areas. Volunteer networks also helped establish consistent feeding points and tracked the well-being of animals over time.
Emergency Interventions and Medical Support
Numerous emergency treatment operations for animals suffering from infections, parasites, and respiratory illnesses have been carried out. Elderly and critically ill animals abandoned on the streets were given special care and attention. Veterinary clinics played a key role in providing specialized treatments and ongoing support for animals in need.
Raising Awareness and Building Community
Raising public awareness about animal rights remained a central priority. Events were organized on key dates such as World Animal Rights Day and World Cat Day, attracting widespread attention and engagement.
Social media campaigns reached thousands of people and highlighted cases of animal rights violations, while seminars and events in schools and educational institutions instilled a love for animals in younger generations.
TPF's partner, Dört AyakliSehir also collaborated with local municipalities, non-governmental organizations, and volunteers to amplify its message and strengthen its advocacy efforts.
Disaster Preparedness and Solidarity Events
As part of its long-term disaster preparedness strategy, first-aid kits specifically designed for cats and dogs were prepared. A solidarity event was held for animals rescued from the rubble, bringing together earthquake victims and the animals they helped save. These gatherings offered food and medical assistance and created a space for healing for both humans and animals.
To further support this cause, nature walks were organized in locations such as the Atatürk Arboretum, Belgrade Forest, and Heybeliada, focusing on the connection between nature, animals, and people. A trip to the Küre Mountains was also arranged to highlight the local ecosystem. These events were successful in raising both awareness and funds, while also expanding the organization’s network of volunteers.
Creative Giving Campaigns and Community Radio
To engage more supporters, a donation campaign on Fonzip, allowing individuals to contribute directly to the care of animals affected by the earthquakes has been launched. Special donation cards were created for those wishing to make a gift in someone else’s name, with all proceeds dedicated to animal treatment and rehoming efforts. The foster family program also saw significant growth, thanks to campaigns that encouraged more individuals to open their homes to animals in need.
In a bold step toward storytelling and cultural advocacy, the organization launched Four-Legged City Radio—a unique platform that explores the role of animals in art, literature, cinema, and ecology. The radio channel brings attention to the stories of animals in our cities, and fosters empathy through discussions on care, rights, and coexistence.
A Brighter Future for All Living Beings
Thanks to your compassion and continued support, through Dört Ayakl Sehir we have made remarkable progress in improving the welfare of animals across Turkiye. Your generosity has helped save lives, protect rights, and bring much-needed love and hope to animals who had nowhere else to turn.
With deepest gratitude,
Team TPF
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