Within the context of Zero Waste Project initiated under the auspicious of the spouse of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, construction, tree trimming and landscaping wastes of the Presidential Complex are recycled and used to build homes for stray animals.

Kennels made out of waste are delivered to the Directorate for Protection of Environment, Nature and Animals affiliated to the Police Department in an activity organized at the garden of the Presidential Nation’s Library.

Emine Erdoğan attended the activity with her adopted stray dog “Leblebi” and examined the kennels.

Mrs. Erdoğan said that Leblebi made the quality control of the kennels adding that, “I am sure, his animal friends would like what he liked”.

Mrs. Erdoğan received information about the activities of the Directorate for Protection of Environment, Nature and Animals from the officials.

Noting that Leblebi brought luck, Mrs. Erdoğan underlined that kennels are an important part of the Zero Waste project.

Mrs. Erdoğan expressed her sensitivity about waste recycle adding that, “I believe that all kinds of waste can be recycled and make an important contribution to the Turkish economy.”

Concerning her relation with Leblebi, Mrs. Erdoğan said, “We sometimes visit him at his kennel. I don’t know if love for animals can develop in time. I grew up in a house with a garden. There were various kinds of animals in the garden such as chicken, geese, rabbit and lambs. Cats were already the kings of our home and they were catching mice.” 

Mrs. Emine Erdoğan also told the story of how she met Leblebi during her visit to Yedikule Animal Shelter:

"I have seen many animals, there. But, Leblebi charmed me with his eyes. He had many surgeries and he was subject to cruelty. I wanted to adopt him. I call on people to adopt animals from such shelters rather than buying pets from pet shops.”

Mrs. Erdoğan stressed that those who do not want to adopt a pet permanently can provide shelter for animals during a week or weekends.