Story By: Ana Marjanovic, Sub-Editor: Michael Leidig, Agency: Newsflash
A terrified three-year-old boy’s face was savaged by a dog at a pet show as he passed by the animal as it was waiting to be judged.
Shocking video footage of the drama shows victim Atabey Eryurekli screaming in agony as blood pours from wounds on his face.
A man – reportedly his uncle – scoops the lad up into his arms and sprints across the showground to get emergency medical help.
The horrific attack took place at the Pawed Friends Beauty Contest at Great Ataturk Park in the district of Ceyhan in the Turkish province of Adana on 7th May.
The outdoor show- organised by the local town council – had dogs chained to trees while spectators and judges strolled by.
There are no apparent safety measures and anyone could seemingly approach any dog.
Mauled Atabey was taken to the Ceyhan State Hospital and his injured face was stitched up.
He was then discharged from hospital.
Atabey’s father, Fatih Eryurekli, went to Ceyhan Courthouse on May 12 to file a criminal complaint against the dog owner and the officials who organised the event.
According to reports, council officials claimed that Atabey fell over when the dog barked and cut his face on broken glass.
Furious Fatih said: “What kind of beauty contest was this? They tied the participating dogs to trees at random. No precautions were taken.
“The dogs didn’t even have muzzles. My son’s face was badly damaged. They didn’t even send us their condolences.”
It is unclear if the public prosecutor’s office will investigate the incident.
