Giving Stray Dogs a Warm Shelter
Currently, with insufficient shelter facilities and limited access to nutrition and care, more than 4 million stray dogs in Turkey are enduring dire conditions. For Fazilet Eda Altıöz, a lady who had dedicated nearly five years to caring for street animals, the situation was concerning. “These dogs aren’t just strays—they’re family,” she says. “I hope to leverage my strength to make their lives better.”
On Jan 1, 2024, Ms. Fazilet opened her own shelter — a 7,000 m² home named Sokak Hayvanlarına Yardım ve Yaşatma Derneği (Association for Helping and Supporting Street Animals). Her mission was simple yet profound: to protect stray dogs from violence and danger. But as the shelter welcomed its first residents, a new challenge emerged.
Caretakers Troubled by Safety Concerns
The shelter’s expansive grounds, while providing ample space for the dogs, also raised safety concerns. Ms. Fazilet struggled to patrol the area on her own, making it difficult to prevent trespassers from slipping through the fences or dogs from wandering off into the night—both posing significant risks. Despite the tireless efforts of volunteers, these challenges left both the animals and their caregivers in a precarious position.
Guardians that Never Sleep
When Hikvision learned about the shelter’s challenges in Turkey, the Company stepped in to help by providing its 24/7 ColorVu Camera and NVR to enhance patrol efforts. The installation was successfully completed with the support of its partner, ENB Bilgisayar.
These devices transformed the shelter’s situation overnight. Volunteers can now monitor every corner of the grounds with crystal-clear images, day or night. “It’s like having a guardian angel,” Ms. Fazilet laughs. “We can finally keep an eye on our dear friends from afar, even after dark. This brings us so much joy.”
The impact extended beyond security—it redefined the way care was provided. By automating the guarding process, the cameras relieved volunteers from constant patrols, allowing them to devote more time to caring for the animals.