In Dalyan animals roam the streets and back roads freely. The numbers are overwhelming for the local communities and council to contend with; they breed quickly and in their many. Stray cats often give birth in the streets or even in the cafe’s right next to tourists and the dogs will befriend anyone who feeds them instantly. 

The heat can be difficult for these animals, midday finds many of them resting in shaded areas or lying down on freshly washed grounds. Local animal shelters built mobile shelters for cats and other smaller animals to cool off in but the larger dogs have to survive of their own accord.

Though many of the residents and business owners of Dalyan can find the presence of these strays to be hindering (When customers are uncomfortable enjoying their meals with stray animals hovering around them), the town stands as a beautiful example of man’s relationship and interaction with wild animals living in a state of harmony within urban location - it often reminded me of a real-life Pokemon location with creatures, big and small, sharing existence with humanity. 

Many of these animals will struggle to make their way through life and so we must be thankful for the pets we love dearly at home…not all are so lucky to know such love and safety. 

Fortunately, some of these animals are adopted by the local residents and businesses…I stayed at a hotel which identified as a ‘cat hotel’ and gave a loving home to as many as they could afford.