Late-night walk horror for Bahrain nurse attacked by stray dogs

TDT | Manama                                                     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

In yet another distressing incident, a 55-year-old nurse in Bahrain fell victim to a stray dog attack while walking home from work late at night. The nurse, who reached out to The Daily Tribune to shed light on the prevailing issue of stray dogs, shared her harrowing experience.

Recalling the terrifying night, she stated, “I was walking back from the Salmaniya Medical Complex, and when I neared the Police Fort in Manama, I noticed two dogs across the street. They didn’t bark, so I continued on my way, minding my own business. Suddenly, one of the dogs lunged at me, biting my right leg calf muscle.”

Struggling to maintain her balance, she stumbled and fell onto the road. Promptly, the police officers stationed nearby and concerned bystanders rushed to her aid, immediately calling for an ambulance. The nurse further revealed the extent of her ordeal, saying, “My uniform was torn apart in the attack.

Upon reaching the hospital, the doctor prescribed antibiotics. However, I was alarmed to discover that Bahrain does not provide rabies vaccinations. As I live alone and my family, including my husband, resides in India, fear grips me.”

Determined to seek proper medical care, she learned that Saudi Arabia offers rabies vaccinations. Consequently, she obtained a multiple-entry visa and covered all her expenses, which were around BD125. Presently, she has received three doses of the vaccine and is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia this Thursday for the fourth dose.

Despite undergoing medical treatment, the nurse continues to endure pain from her wounds, which have not yet healed. Consequently, she faces challenges in fulfilling her work duties. Unable to attend work on certain days, her colleagues are struggling to find a suitable replacement.

Immediate action

Meanwhile, The Daily Tribune reached out to Ms. Fathiya Al Bastaki, an animal activist known for her involvement with stray dogs throughout Bahrain. Seeking her perspective on resolving such issues, she emphasised the need for authorities to take immediate action. Ms. Fathiya stated, “To prevent further complaints, the authorities must remove all stray dogs from residential areas and relocate them to safer places. Merely dumping these dogs in Askar is not a solution.”

Expressing her disappointment, she highlighted the unfulfilled promises made by the authorities regarding providing shelter for stray dogs over five years. “They should allocate an entirely new area to accommodate these dogs and ensure they receive the necessary food and water. As activists, we cannot bear this burden any longer,” added Ms. Fathiya.

Issues of misinformation

Furthermore, she addressed the issue of misinformation surrounding stray dogs, stating, “Many individuals falsely claim that stray dogs are naturally aggressive and hostile. However, this is untrue unless the dogs are provoked or feel threatened. People often lie to conceal their own mistakes and wrongfully blame the stray dogs.”

As the victimised nurse continues her battle for recovery and while animal activists demand swift action, the fate of stray dogs in Bahrain hangs in the balance. It remains to be seen whether the authorities will take decisive steps to address the growing concerns and ensure the safety of both residents and animals.