To house more street dogs during winter days, 4,500 kennels have been put into use at the animal shelter in Istanbul's Büyükçekmece district, one of the biggest of its kind in Turkey, daily Turkish Sabah reported. Expanding an area of 50,000 square meters, the municipal street animals nursing and rehabilitation center takes care of dogs, cats, birds and other animals in need. Hasan Akgün, the mayor of Büyükçekmece district, said, "Everyone must show attentiveness toward street animals. It is our responsibility to look after street animals no matter if the weather is cold or not." In winter, street animals can stay in warm and comfortable kennels and vets check their health status regularly. Akgün also said that many street animals are taken to the shelter in summer months, as well.