Search and rescue dog becomes hero in earthquake-hit Turkiye region

ANTALYA (Turkey): Ocak, a search and rescue dog, became a hero in Turkey’s Kahramanmaras province, the epicenter of last month’s 7.6 and 7.7 magnitude earthquakes.

The dog was brought to the area shortly after the quake by a search and rescue team from the Antalya Gendarmerie (JAK).

In 16 days on duty, Ocak spotted six victims and played a large role in their rescue, Anadolu Agency reported.

Ocak returned to Antalya and resumed his daily training with Specialized Sergeant Muhammed Turan.

Turan told Anadolu that after 52 weeks of hard training at the Nevsehir Gendarmerie Horse and Dog Training Center Command, Ocak started working as a search and rescue dog.

“In search and rescue operations, every minute and every second is of the utmost importance to save lives. Thanks to the use of dogs’ sense of smell and instinct, it has become easier and faster to locate people.

“These features benefit officers on the ground,” Turan said, adding that he and Ocak have been working together for five years and have developed a great bond. –Bernama