Izmir Metropolitan Municipality has signed another exemplary project that will both protect the environment and make life easier for stray animals. With this innovative model called the "Pet Food Circular Network", the city-wide food waste food, meeting the nutritional needs of street animals. At the same time, food waste will be prevented, contributing to sustainability goals.
Stakeholders Meet with Common Intent
Izmir Metropolitan Municipality implemented the project together with non-governmental organizations and tourism businesses. As part of the collaboration, stakeholders came together at the PAKO Social Life Campus for Stray Animals and signed the "Pet Food Circular Network Declaration of Goodwill". This joint will aims not only to provide food for stray animals, but also to raise environmental awareness.
A Dual Action Solution to Tackle the Climate Crisis
Hüseyin Gökhan Özdemir, Head of Veterinary Affairs Department of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, emphasized that the project is not just a food supply project. Pointing out that the climate crisis has made food access difficult, Özdemir said that sustainable solutions have gained importance. Stating that the expected temperature increase in the Mediterranean Basin will affect coastal cities like Izmir more, Özdemir said that with this project, they contribute to both the fight against the climate crisis and the feeding of stray animals.
More Dogs, Growing Need
Project Coordinator Sinan Okçuoğlu stated that the number of stray dogs is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. Emphasizing that the number of dogs in shelters, which is currently around 1,500, could increase to five to ten thousand in a few years, Okçuoğlu said that this increase would multiply the need for food. By utilizing food waste, the economic burden will be reduced and the pressure on the environment will be alleviated.
First Target Achieved in Production
Within the scope of the project, food production is carried out at the PAKO Food Production Facility under the Animal Health Branch Directorate. Food Engineer Özge Akçay Asal, who works at the facility, announced that they produced a total of 38 tons of food in the first five months of 2025. Stating that their annual target is 120 tons, Asal said that they plan to create an added value of approximately 6 million liras with this production.
Which Waste Turns into Food?
There are certain criteria for food waste collected from hotels to be used in food production. Red and white meat products, spice and salt-free pasta, rice, eggs, various legumes and vegetables are included in this process. However, spicy foods, bones, fatty foods and wastes such as tea and coffee are not included in the production process. This ensures that the food is safe, nutritious and suitable for dogs' health.
A Model from Izmir to Inspire Turkey
The "Pet Food Circular Network" project implemented by Izmir Metropolitan Municipality demonstrates once again that local governments can develop creative and sustainable solutions in the field of social responsibility. This model not only offers an environmentally sensitive approach but also strengthens sensitivity towards stray animals in urban life. The project is expected to set an example for other cities in the future.
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