A first-grade student, Ela Sarıtaş, who lives in the rural district of Toptepe Mahallesi, was attacked by stray dogs on January 4 while returning home from school with her friends. With the help of neighbors, Ela managed to survive the attack and received treatment at the Erzurum City Hospital for injuries to her hip, ear, and chest. After completing her treatment, Ela was discharged from the hospital. She has been undergoing psychological treatment for about 5 months since the incident.
Ela’s father, Yunus Sarıtaş, recalled witnessing the attack by the dogs. He stated, “I saw my daughter covered in blood and we immediately went to the hospital.” He described seeing a pack of dogs from the window of his house and rushed to the scene where he found Ela being held by 5 dogs. A 14-year-old neighbor’s daughter managed to rescue Ela by hitting the dogs with stones and freeing her from their grasp. Ela received 5 days of treatment in the hospital, including a rabies vaccine. Thankfully, her condition improved and the doctors confirmed that she did not require surgery.
Yunus Sarıtaş explained that Ela has been experiencing difficult times in terms of her mental health since the dog attack. They have sought the support of a psychologist, as Ela remains very fearful and easily agitated. She continuously cries and has become very irritable since the incident. Currently, Ela is undergoing psychological treatment and attending therapy sessions to help her overcome her fears. Sarıtaş expressed concern for the children in the village who are also frightened, worrying about the potential risks of rabies. Despite efforts to round up 60 stray dogs in the area after the attack, approximately 20 dogs still remain.
Sarıtaş emphasized the need for officials to address the issue of stray dogs in the area and find a solution, whether it be through establishing shelters, capturing the dogs, or implementing spaying programs. He expressed his worries about sending his children to school and the daily concerns of ensuring their safety. Despite needing to work, Sarıtaş has been unable to leave his daughter’s side as the only provider in their home. He mentioned that the village residents have repeatedly warned about the presence of aggressive stray dogs in the area. He urged authorities to take preventive measures to avoid similar dog attacks in the future.
Following the incident, Ela Sarıtaş, who is now afraid to leave her house’s garden, recounted her experience saying, “I saw a dog while walking home from school with my friends, and when the dog jumped, I fainted. Zeynep informed an older girl who saved me.” The incident has left a lasting impact on Ela, who now faces fears and trauma related to the dog attack. Despite the challenges and ongoing psychological treatment, Ela remains hopeful to overcome her fears with the support of her family and medical professionals.
