Two siblings, 13-year-old Enes and 12-year-old Hiranur Çelik, were attacked by stray dogs as they went to buy raw meatballs on Yeni Mahalle 19 May Street on May 14th. Enes managed to escape, but Hiranur was injured as a result of the animal attack. Security camera footage from a business captured Enes running in fear and the stray dogs in pursuit. Their mother, Serap Çelik, expressed concern about the presence of numerous stray dogs in the district and the fear they instill in families.
Çelik recounted the incident, stating that Hiranur, who was on a 2-day sick leave at home, had gone out to get food with her brother, only to return crying and shouting after the attack. Hiranur had a dog bite mark on her hip and was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment. Çelik emphasized the need for a solution to address the issue of packs of stray dogs roaming the area and highlighted the quick action of local shop owners in rescuing her daughter. She expressed her worries about the safety of children in the community in light of these incidents.
The trauma of the dog attack has left Hiranur unable to sleep at night and fearful of further attacks. Her mother mentioned that she now escorts Hiranur to and from school to ensure her safety, as even the sight of a small dog outside terrifies her. The ongoing psychological effects of the attack have had a significant impact on Hiranur’s well-being, causing her to avoid going out and face difficulties sleeping due to the fear of encountering dogs.
Ercan Çelik, Hiranur’s uncle and the headman of Yeni Mahalle, acknowledged the prevalence of stray dogs in the area and the resulting fear among children and families. He revealed that there have been two reported incidents of children being attacked by stray dogs within a week, leading to concerns about the safety of residents. The increasing presence of stray dogs in the vicinity has created a sense of panic, especially among school children who now fear going to school due to the potential threat posed by these animals.
In response to the recent attacks, the local authorities have been urged to take action in addressing the issue of stray dogs by establishing shelters and resolving the problem effectively. The safety and well-being of the residents, especially children, are at the forefront of these calls for intervention. Furthermore, a 7-year-old first-grade student, Ö.T., was also attacked by stray dogs in the same district, further underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to ensure the community’s safety and prevent future incidents. The incidents have sparked a sense of urgency and concern among residents, signaling the importance of proactive measures to protect the community from stray dog attacks.
