A primary school student named Nisa Gül Azkanmaz, who lives in Kazım Karabekir neighborhood, was attacked by two stray dogs while playing in Şehit Hatice Evran Park next to her house. With the help of those around her, Azkanmaz was able to escape from the dog that bit her left leg and was taken to Kilis Prof. Dr. Alaeddin Yavaşca State Hospital by her family. Upon being bit by the dog, Azkanmaz received four doses of rabies vaccine.
Still unable to shake off the fear she experienced, Nisa Gül Azkanmaz spoke to an AA reporter, saying she can’t forget the moment of the attack. She expressed, “I came to the park to play after buying ice cream from the grocery store with my mom. The dog that came out of the bushes bit me. I was very scared.” Azkanmaz added that even hearing any noise makes her very scared now, expressing, “I am afraid to go to school or anywhere. I used to love dogs before, but after the attack, I started to dislike them. Even if I hear a scream, I get scared. I find it difficult to even go to the bakery. I go to school with my mom or dad. When I see a dog, I still feel like they will attack me.”
Father Mustafa Azkanmaz also demanded that the stray dogs be removed. Azkanmaz explained that they experienced great fear and sadness after the incident, saying, “On May 20, stray dogs attacked my daughter in the park in our neighborhood and she was injured on her leg. We immediately took her to the hospital, where she received bandages and vaccines. She is currently doing well, but her fears still continue.” Azkanmaz pointed out that there are many stray dogs in the area and stated that the dogs should be collected and taken care of in appropriate conditions. He mentioned that his daughter’s psychology has been affected, highlighting, “My child has experienced a psychological breakdown. She is now afraid even in her sleep. She used to be able to go to school alone before, but she can’t do that now. We take her to and from school. She doesn’t go to play in the park due to her fear. She panics at the slightest sound she hears. She can’t shake off the fear she experienced. That’s why we will seek psychological support from experts.”
This incident has raised concerns among the residents of Kazım Karabekir Mahallesi about the safety of the neighborhood. The issue of stray dogs has become a pressing problem that needs to be addressed urgently to prevent further attacks on residents, especially children. The importance of taking measures to control the population of stray dogs and ensuring the safety of the community has been emphasized. Meanwhile, the trauma experienced by Nisa Gül Azkanmaz highlights the need for mental health support for those who have been through similar incidents. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for adequate measures to protect the public from potential danger.
Local authorities and animal welfare organizations are called upon to take action to address the issue of stray dogs in the area and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. The safety and well-being of the residents, especially children, should be a top priority, and steps should be taken to ensure that such attacks are not repeated. The community is urged to work together to find solutions and create a safe environment for everyone. In the meantime, Nisa Gül Azkanmaz and her family continue to seek support to help her overcome the trauma she experienced and regain her sense of security and peace of mind.
