Turkey passed a new law Tuesday aimed at removing millions of stray dogs that animal welfare activists worry could lead to a mass culling. The legislation was approved in a marathon overnight session before the country’s parliament begins a summer recess in August. Its passage follows weeks of protests that have seen thousands take to the streets over the controversial legislation. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] Local governments will now be required to house stray dogs in shelters and neuter, spay, and vaccinate them so that they can be adopted, The Independent reported. But the lack of infrastructure for the estimated 4 million stray dogs—the country has 322 animal shelters with a capacity for 105,000 dogs, according to the legislation—alongside a provision to euthanize dogs showing aggressive behavior or with untreatable diseases has angered many. The Turkish opposition has dubbed the legislation a “massacre law.” “Since there are not enough places in the shelters—there are very few shelters in Turkey—a path has been opened for the killing (of strays),” veterinarian Turkan Ceylan told the Associated Press.