Turkish, British expat animal lovers help stray cats, dogs

AYDIN – Anadolu Agency

Turks and expatriate Brits both braved freezing water on Dec. 26 to benefit the stray animals of Turkey as mercury drops. 

To raise money for stray dogs and cats in the Aegean province of Aydın, nearly 30 animal lovers took the plunge into icy cold water on Boxing Day, the traditional British holiday falling just after Christmas. 

Under the watchful eye of 200 spectators at Altınkum beach, the volunteers tolerated the cold for half an hour, some with the help of splashy costume cover-ups. 

Ali Karahallı, a local veterinarian, said they didn’t mind the cold water and even had fun while braving the end-of-year seas. 

He added that donations raised by the brave bathers would help keep animals at the Didim Street Animal Shelter well fed and in good health.