Dear Ambassador Barrack,

<h3>I am writing to ask you to use your position to address an animal welfare crisis unfolding in Turkey.</h3> <h3>Under Law No. 7527, Turkish municipalities are removing millions of stray dogs from the streets and placing them in government shelters. Authorities report that roughly three-quarters have already been rounded up. But the country has an estimated four million strays and shelter space for barely one hundred thousand.</h3> <h3>Independent monitors report dogs dying of starvation, disease, and neglect inside these overcrowded facilities, and in some cases being killed before they ever reach one.</h3> <h3>There is a proven alternative. Before this law, Turkey neutered, vaccinated, and returned street dogs to their communities — the Capture, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return approach endorsed by the World Health Organization as the most humane and effective method of managing stray populations. It was working.</h3> <h3>As the representative of the United States, you can raise this issue directly with Turkish officials and make clear the international community is watching. I am not asking you to interfere in Turkey's internal affairs. I am asking you to speak, diplomatically and firmly, for a humane solution.</h3> <h3>Specifically, I respectfully ask that you raise conditions in Turkey's municipal shelters with the appropriate authorities and encourage a return to Capture, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return.</h3> <h3>Thank you for your time and your service.</h3>