Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

In Istanbul, Stray Dogs Get Their Food From Vending Machines

Written by: Dogster Team

Last Updated on January 19, 2024 by Dogster Team

pug dog having treats

In Istanbul, Stray Dogs Get Their Food From Vending Machines

Like many cities, Istanbul has a problem with stray dogs and cats — reportedly, 150,000 of them roam the streets, eking out a living by digging through the trash or relying on the kindness of residents for their food.

Now, there’s another option — vending machines. They’re scattered around parks and public areas in the Turkish city, dispensing food water to stray dogs and cats. It’s a wild idea, but even wilder is how the machines work. They don’t take money. They take plastic bottles.

People insert their used bottle into a slot at the top of the machine, and a handful of kibble is dropped out. There’s even a spot to dump unused water, which filters through the machine and fills a bowl at the bottom.

You might think: Why bottles? Well, that’s how the Turkish company that installed the machines, Pugedon, pays for the food, using money it gets from recycling the bottles. It also has a nice side effect of keeping the streets clean, as well as promoting recycling. According to Elite Daily, after the company promised the government it wouldn’t have to pay for anything, it was allowed to place the machine anywhere it saw fit. Now the boxes are scattered throughout this city of 15 million people.

Watch them at work:

What do you think of this idea? Let us know in the comments.

Photos via Pugedon’s Facebook page

Via Elite Daily

Read about dogs in the news on Dogster:


Featured Image Credit: Yekatseryna Netuk, Shutterstock

Contents

Get Dogster in your inbox!

Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
Dogster Editors Choice Badge
Shopping Cart

Pangolia

© Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.