REGULATION FOR STRAY ANIMALS

ARTICLE 1- (1) The purpose of this regulation is to regulate the procedures and principles regarding the activities to be carried out and the administrative, health, safety, and environmental measures to be taken concerning stray animals within the boundaries of Izmir University of Economics. 

 

(2) This regulation aims to ensure that students, academic and administrative staff can live together safely, healthily, and smoothly within the boundaries of Izmir University of Economics while safeguarding the welfare of stray animals.

 

ARTICLE 2- (1) This regulation is based on the Universal Declaration of Animal Rights, the Animal Protection Law No. 5199 and related legislation, the Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331, the Public Health Law No. 1593, the Veterinary Services, Plant Health, Food and Feed Law No. 5996, the Fundraising Law No. 2860, the Environmental Law No. 2872, the Waste Management Regulation, and Articles 53 and 54 and other relevant articles of Law No. 2547.

 

ARTICLE 3- (1) The references in this Regulation are as follows:

a) Feeding Stations: Locations designated by the Administrative Board of Izmir University of Economics where stray animals can easily and safely access food, and where food or food scraps are placed regularly and systematically by the institution and volunteers,

b) Secretary General: The Secretary General of Izmir University of Economics,

c) Volunteer: Members of the Animal Lovers Club at Izmir University of Economics, the club's faculty advisors, and/or other volunteers assigned in writing by the General Secretariat under this regulation,

ç) Notification: Any violation, risk, incident, or similar situation covered by this regulation being communicated through the channels specified by Izmir University of Economics,

d) OHS Unit: The unit responsible for occupational health and safety services at Izmir University of Economics (corporate physician, occupational safety specialist, and relevant personnel).

e) Rectorate: The Rectorate of Izmir University of Economics,

f) Healthy Campus Commission: A commission comprising working groups on physical health, mental health, campus animals, addiction prevention, and campus sustainability.

g) Stray animal: Animals living in populated areas such as settlements, neighbourhoods, and villages, close to humans, and for which no natural or legal person has assumed responsibility under the applicable legislation.

ğ) University (IUE): Izmir University of Economics,

 

ARTICLE 4- (1) Stray animals may only be fed at the feeding stations designated by the University Administrative Board.

 

(2) It is prohibited to feed wild animals (such as pigs, etc.) other than cats and dogs, which are considered dependent on human care.

 

(3) Feeding activities at feeding stations shall be carried out by personnel assigned by the General Secretariat and volunteers. Feeding shall be done exclusively with food provided by the University. Suitable feeding containers shall be placed at the relevant stations by the General Secretariat.

 

(4) Feeding is not permitted within the boundaries of the University outside of the designated feeding stations; it is prohibited to leave or spill food/provisions, or to leave containers, bags, etc., in unauthorized areas.

 

(5) It is prohibited to feed animals on materials that may cause environmental pollution (such as bags, paper, plastic, foam, or similar) at feeding stations, and leaving such materials in the area is forbidden.

 

(6) It is prohibited to organize unauthorized donation campaigns, collect donations, or announce such activities on social media by associating them with the University for purposes such as food or medical support for stray animals on behalf of the University’s corporate identity (name, logo, and titles), University units, or student clubs.

 

(7) It is essential that the area is left clean after feeding activities. It is prohibited to scatter food/provisions outside of feeding containers or to leave food scraps in a manner that may attract pests or vermin.

 

ARTICLE 5- (1) Bringing, leaving, or abandoning animals from outside the University is prohibited in order to prevent new animals from entering the University.

 

(2) In cases where situations threatening the health of staff and students are identified, the University administration shall take necessary precautions in cooperation with relevant institutions and organizations within the scope of current legislation.

 

(3) Bringing pets to the University is prohibited, as it may cause stress and/or aggressive behavior among the existing animal population. (Guide/assistance animals defined by legislation that accompany individuals with disabilities are exempt from this rule.)

 

ARTICLE 6- (1) Approaches, processes, and practices regarding stray animals across the University (collaboration with the municipality for sterilization programs needed for population control; treatment and rehabilitation processes for injured and sick stray animals; naming; maintaining health records; disposal of deceased animals, etc.) shall be determined by the Rectorate upon the recommendation of the Healthy Campus Commission.

 

(2) Periodic cleaning and disinfection procedures at feeding stations shall be carried out by the relevant administrative unit of the University.

 

(3) Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Hygiene:

a) Activities such as feeding, cleaning, waste collection, and all other actions related to stray animals may pose risks such as zoonotic diseases, bites/scratches, parasites, allergen exposure (allergic rhinitis/asthma, etc.), and exposure to chemical disinfectants. Therefore, said activities shall only be carried out at designated feeding stations by personnel and volunteers assigned within the scope of this Regulation.

b) Assigned personnel and volunteers are obliged to comply with rules regarding hand hygiene, safe waste disposal, and area cleaning.

c) Bringing stray animals inside buildings or allowing them onto tables and chairs (indoors or outdoors) also constitutes a health and safety risk.

ç) Disciplinary provisions shall apply in the event that feeding activities are carried out outside of a job description or in violation of the principles and rules set forth in this regulation.

 

(4) In the event of a violation of the provisions of this regulation, procedures regarding students and academic staff shall be carried out within the framework of the relevant disciplinary provisions of Law No. 2547, and procedures regarding staff shall be conducted within the framework of the relevant legislation and internal University regulations.

 

(5) Incident Reporting and Health Measures:

a) Incidents such as bites/scratches, suspicious situations following contact, or contact with animal-derived waste must be immediately reported to the OHS Unit; necessary health guidance shall be provided.

b) The General Secretariat and/or the Healthy Campus Commission shall be informed if animals on campus exhibit aggressive behavior, appear injured/sick, or if there is a suspicion of a contagious disease.

 

(6) Audit, Notification, and Identification:

a) Violations of the provisions of this regulation shall be identified ex officio by the relevant academic and administrative units and recorded in minutes. Notifications by other persons regarding violations shall be made through the “Campus Animals Notification” channel (e.g., web form and/or email) announced by the University. Notifications and complaints must include at least the location, date, time, and a brief description.

b) Incoming notifications shall be evaluated by the General Secretariat/Rectorate. When necessary, identification deemed may be made by reviewing camera footage exclusively by authorized persons and limited to the intended purpose.

c) The processes of reviewing camera footage and processing personal data shall be carried out within the framework of Law No. 6698 (KVKK) and the University's relevant policies/procedures; access authorization and retention periods shall be limited to the intended purpose.

 

ARTICLE 7- (1) This Regulation takes effect on the date it is approved by the Senate of Izmir University of Economics.

 

ARTICLE 8- (1) The Rector of Izmir University of Economics enforces the provisions of this Regulation.

 

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This regulation took effect with the Senate decision dated 18.02.2026 and numbered 570.