Story By: Feza Uzay, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
This poor little girl has had to have 300 stitches in her ear after she was savaged by a Great Dane when its careless owner failed to keep it on its lead.
Five-year-old Alaz Ikra Ilhande left her home in the neighbourhood of Orhangazi in the district of Akcakoca in the north-western Turkish province of Duzce on 26th September.
She was attacked by the Great Dane, which had escaped from its owner and was on the loose. The breed descends from hunting dogs and is one of the largest dog breeds in the world.
The dog bit the girl’s ear, and she was unable to free herself from its grip. In the end, neighbours had to run over to the girl to prize her ear from the dog’s jaws.
An ambulance then took the injured youngster to hospital in the city of Bolu, where she underwent a four-hour operation to save her ear in the nick of time.
Though she was close to losing her ear altogether, doctors were able to save it, but it took 300 stitches to do so.
Although the doctors said she may be left with permanent scars on her ear and side of her face, little Alaz was fortunately left with her hearing intact.
Following the incident, the youngster’s worried father, Sinan Ilhande, filed a complaint against the owner of the dog, with whom he was not acquainted.
He argued that not only did his daughter suffer physical injuries, but she was also affected psychologically by the ordeal.
Sinan was also psychologically affected himself, revealing: “The four hours my daughter was in surgery seemed like 40 years to me.”
He also revealed his daughter had a lucky escape, saying: “Had my neighbours not been there, my daughter might not have lived.”
Sinan revealed he is still awaiting action over the dangerous dog. He said: “We have applied to the necessary authorities for the dog to be taken away. Currently, no action has been taken.”