It is an animal rights organization and a federation of such organisations based in Istanbul, currently led by Ahmet Kemal Şenpolat.

It reaches out to the Turkish Parliament through court trials, engages in training activities such as education programs in schools, and uses public relations to spread its message.

5199, cruelty to animals is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine, with no jail time and no mark on one's criminal record.

[3] HAYTAP resulted from the merger of five animal rights organizations in Turkey in July 2008[4] and the number of registered members has reached 21 associations,[5] including one from Azerbaijan,[6] and 61 representatives.

It met Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in February 2011 and obtained his commitment to take action regarding animal rights.