A professional dog walker was savaged by her own pet as she tried to break up a fight between her and a client’s animal, she has revealed.
Emma Taylor, 29, suffered horrific injuries to both arms as she was mauled by rescue dog Maya.
Speaking for the first time about the attack she said American bulldog Maya attacked her after she got into a scrap with another dog she was walking.
Emma also says she is sad the “much loved family member” Maya had to be put down in the wake of the mauling.
Emma was walking in secluded woodland when Maya turned on her, causing severe damage to both her arms.
The mother-of-one has taken to Facebook to confirm plastic surgeons have worked on both limbs and stabilised her medical condition over the last nine days.
Emma, who runs a dog-walking service, School of Walk, says she is in the high dependency unit at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
A post from Emma, which was typed by a friend, said: “Unfortunately, on Easter Monday, at approximately 12.30, I was out walking five dogs in Dalmuir.
“There was an altercation between a client’s dog and my dog Maya (who we adopted a year ago).
“On correcting the altercation between the two dogs, Maya turned on me and attacked me.
“She caused severe damage to both of my arms, in particular the right arm. I managed to contact the police and ambulance service who attended the scene.
“They immobilised Maya, rounded up the other dogs and escorted me safely to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
“The plastic surgeons have worked on my arms and stabilised my medical condition over the last nine days.
“I’m currently in high dependency, getting all the best treatment I could possibly ask for.”
She added: “I’m sad to say that Maya has been euthanized – she was a much loved family member.
“I would like to reassure everyone that, given time and space, I’ll get through this and recover with the help from my loved ones.”
The horror incident took place as Emma walked a group of dogs by the canal near Beardmore Street, Clydebank, Scotland.
Maya was was on a lead when the attack happened, according to friends.
During the attack, Emma is said to have screamed for help but there was no-one around.
The trained zoologist and an animal behaviourist “played dead” while dialing 999 with her free hand, according to a close friend.
Police with shields managed to wrestle Maya away and bundled her into the back of a van and she was later put down.
Emma’s partner Steven Burton is said to be distraught. The couple have a toddler son and live in Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire.
And following Emma’s vicious attack, a post on the School of Walk Facebook page said they will be “taking a break for the foreseeable future”.
It said: “Unfortunately, Emma was attacked by a dog and is now recovering in hospital.
It has been a difficult time for her family but she wanted to be honest with her loyal clients.
“As you know, Emma is very experienced in handling dogs and has many qualifications supporting her knowledge.
“Accidents can happen to anyone, no matter how experienced you are, and she is devastated to be putting her services on hold.”
