Deep ecology

Representatives of farmers have walked out of talks with the government, announcing a new protest rally, after the ruling coalition tabled a bill introducing what has been labelled as animal police.

When a milestone parliamentary report on animal rights in Turkey is turned into a law in the upcoming months, fines and punishments for crimes against living things most close to humans will be harsh.

The amount of money involved per dog fighting organization goes up to as much as 200,000 euros ($223,000), according to a presentation made at the parliament's Animal Rights Research Commission.

Turkey must update its laws to deter perpetrators if it wants to end violence against animals, according to a prominent animal rights activist.

The head of a leading activist group has slammed a new animal rights bill in the Turkish Parliament as a "license to kill," opposing the government's view that it could solve Turkey's worsening problem of violence against stray animals. 

A bill that had proposed changes to the treatment of pets and stray animals has been withdrawn from public discussion following vehement criticism by animal rights groups about its provisions.

Agricultural Development Minister Vangelis Apostolou said on Tuesday the legislation would be reviewed and reopened to debate once the contentious provisions have been revised.

An activist lays half-naked with fake blood in a cage during a protest for animal rights, against the suffering and killing of animals and against animal testing in Athens, Sunday. [EPA]

The Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) has issued a statement addressing violence against animals after a number of videos spread on social media, saying there is no difference between humans and animals in terms of affection they deserve,  Anadolu Agency has reported.

The Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) has issued a statement addressing violence against animals after a number of videos spread on social media, saying there is "no difference between humans and animals," state-run Anadolu Agency has reported.

American actress, producer, author, activist and vegan Alicia Silverstone strips for the latest animal rights campaign of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), using her sensational body to get the message across: “Choose fake, for animals’ sake!”