Orhangazi, TIDER, and Cargill to open Stray Animal Rehab Center

The Orhangazi Stray Animal Rehabilitation Center, which will be established by Orhangazi Municipality to address the shelter, feeding, and care issues of stray animals, is being implemented in collaboration with TİDER (Basic Needs Association) and Cargill. Following the groundbreaking ceremony on November 20th, construction work will commence, and the center is expected to become operational in the first half of 2025.

The collaboration is a testament to the collective commitment of Orhangazi Municipality, TİDER, and Cargill in renewing the emotional, social, physical, and psychological well-being of the animals and supporting local communities.

The Orhangazi Stray Animal Rehabilitation Center will serve as a vital community resource, promoting best practices in animal care, reducing stray animal numbers through humane programs, and raising public awareness. It is envisioned as a community hub where feeding, treating, and adopting stray animals is carried out with compassion and care.

The new 388,111 square feet building, located in Bursa province, Orhangazi – Arapzade District, will manage animal protection, survival, and rehabilitation processes in line with international standards. It will feature shelter areas for temporary housing, cat and dog operation units for neutering and sterilization, treatment units for injured or sick animals, a medicine warehouse, cold storage for food, an administration building, personnel facilities, and security units. 

"Supporting the communities where our factories are located is a priority for Cargill," said Murat Tarakçıoğlu, Managing Director Food META (Middle East, Türkiye and Africa). "Following the successful establishment of the Cargill Primary School, Cargill 112 Emergency Center, and Cargill Health Center in Orhangazi, we are excited to contribute to the welfare of stray animals with this new rehabilitation center."

Hande Tibuk, the Chairwoman of TİDER, emphasized that the issues of shelter, feeding, and care for street animals concern every segment of society. She stated that local municipalities' collaboration with the private sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) could help address this problem.

Tibuk said, "Collecting animals from the streets does not lead to a solution. It is crucial for municipalities to involve NGOs and volunteers in the process to manage this issue effectively. When each municipality collaborates with an NGO that is sensitive to the welfare of animals, they can also benefit from the strength of the NGO's volunteers. TİDER's goal is to assist in meeting the basic needs of those in need. While supporting our citizens is a priority, we also value the basic needs of our animal friends and develop projects in this area. We believe that the project we implemented together with Orhangazi Municipality and Cargill will set an example for other institutions in our country."