Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan drew attention to the existence of "fanatic" groups regarding stray street animals, stating, "Street dog attacks harm people both psychiatrically and physiologically. Therefore, decisions should be made with reason, not emotions." Discussions regarding stray street animals continue intensely. Opposition MPs and animal rights advocates (!) who sabotaged the law discussions at the Turkish Grand National Assembly, which included regulations concerning street animals, ignited a new crisis in society. The radical attitudes of groups vehemently defending street animals that attack people are noteworthy. Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector and Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan made special statements to Diriliş Postası.
"They have traumas"
Evaluating the insults directed at families who were victims of dog attacks during the commission meetings held for the stray animal bill, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said, "Just as there are healthy examples of relationships with animals, there are also unhealthy ones. There are people who cannot even understand those whose children died in animal attacks. Many of these individuals have childhood traumas. For example, an animal might have been subjected to mistreatment caused by them as a child, or they might have grown up without love.
Furthermore, people who grow up in emotional neglect and emotional abuse feel hungry for emotion and satisfy these needs with animal love. They also fight to the death for animals. Since this struggle is accepted by society, they are usually not alone. When looking at the childhood of most of these people, traumas emerge. The disproportionate and boundless behaviors of such individuals should not prevent correct decisions."
"Animal phobia is a clinical condition"
On the other hand, Prof. Dr. Tarhan pointed out that animal phobia is a clinical condition that can be treated, stating, "Animals are our silent friends. Animal love creates a psychotherapy effect. Animal fear, however, is a clinical condition. If the intensity of the fear is disproportionate or the intensity of love for an animal is disproportionate, it means we are talking about a clinical condition. If the person wishes, this can be treated. Progress is much easier in patients with mono-phobia. In fact, personalized treatments are prescribed for this. There are special simulations written for these treatments. With these animations, we confront traumatized individuals with this phobia by making them feel as if they are in contact with animals. So, if a person complains about it, it is possible for them to overcome their phobia," he said.
Forgotten traumas lead to complex behaviors
Tarhan, also touching upon the traumas that occur after street dog attacks, stated that animal attack traumas are divided into primary and secondary traumas, saying, "In primary traumas, the person directly exposed to the attack experiences trauma. Secondary trauma is seen in individuals who witness an attack on someone else. Such situations can also be treated if the person wishes. However, usually these types of traumas are forgotten afterwards, and complex behaviors emerge. For example, these individuals react excessively when they see an animal and experience their emotions disproportionately. Sometimes parents mourn due to an attack their children experienced. This also has a treatment process. Some overcome this and try to do beneficial things for society in their lives," he said.
"The words of reasonable people should be heeded"
Tarhan pointed out that the media's coverage of dog attacks intensifies people's fear of dogs, and mothers now act very carefully and anxiously when taking their children outside, stating, "Children, in particular, are greatly victimized at this point. If measures are not taken, this population will lead to an increase in deaths. Because the population has risen sharply. If animals form gangs, it is impossible for them not to attack. They see children as prey. For this reason, gang formation should not be allowed. We also need shelters at this point," he added.
"Decisions must be made with reason"
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated, "Just as in sports, science, and music, there will be radicals and fanatics on this issue. These should not hinder making the right decision. Street dog attacks harm people both psychiatrically and physiologically. Therefore, the words of reasonable people should be heeded, and decisions should be made with reason, not emotions," he said.