HAYTAP is an animal rights federation in Turkey (
Turkish: Hayvan Hakları Federasyonu)(HAYTAPⓘ). It is an
animal rights organization and a federation of such organisations based in
Istanbul, currently led by Ahmet Kemal Şenpolat.[1]
HAYTAP unified all animal rights associations and organizations under one name. Created in 2008, HAYTAP raises awareness of the violation of animal rights. It reaches out to the
Turkish Parliament through court trials, engages in training activities such as education programs in schools, and uses
public relations to spread its message.
HAYTAP's main lobbying concern is to change the laws in Turkey regarding
cruelty to animals. It believes that the present law, Animal Protection Law No.5199,[2] does not provide for strong enough
punishment for
animal abusers. Under Turkey's law no. 5199, cruelty to animals is considered a
misdemeanor, punishable by a fine, with no jail time and no mark on one's
criminal record.[3]
History
HAYTAP resulted from the merger of five animal rights organizations in Turkey in July 2008[4] and the number of registered members has reached 21 associations,[5] including one from
Azerbaijan,[6] and 61 representatives.[7] It claims to be the largest[8] and the best organised animal rights organization in Turkey.
Philosophy
HAYTAP supports local ecological integrity and economic needs in the areas of habitat loss and prevention. It lobbies for the ratification of international agreements and for creation of legal and institutional infrastructure.
HAYTAP raises public awareness of the violation of nature and animal rights, files suits regarding current abuses, is involved in training activities, conducts public relations exercises and tries to get laws applied in a better way.[1][3][9][10][11][12][13][excessive citations] Its slogan is Life is in your hands.
Campaigns
HAYTAP rejects the idea of animals as property, and opposes the use of animals in any form: It is against raising animals for their furs,[14] selling them as pets,[15][16] hunting them and making them a trade
commodity.[17] It promotes a
vegan diet.[18]
HAYTAP advises municipalities and governments on
legislation to improve animal rights. It met Turkish prime minister
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in February 2011 and obtained his commitment to take action regarding animal rights.[29][30]