A PROFESSIONAL dog walker from Dumbarton who was mauled by her OWN American bulldog has spoken out for the first time following the attack.

Emma Taylor, 29, is currently in high dependency hospital care, and took to Facebook last week to confirm surgeons have “worked on her arms” and her dog, Maya, has been euthanised following the shocking Easter Monday incident.

In her post, which she says was typed with assistance, the trained zoologist and animal behaviourist explained that Maya turned on her following an “altercation” with another dog.

The post on Dumbarton-based dog-walking service School of Walk said: “Unfortunately, on Easter Monday, at 12.30pm, I was out walking five dogs in Dalmuir (near the canal path). 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 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 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.

“I’m not feeling up to any visitors, apart from immediate family, at the moment (I’m sure you can understand this).”

A source claimed last week that the mother-of-one may lose the use of both limbs – however she expressed her sadness at the loss of her beloved rescue pet, and has thanked all well-wishers.

In her post, she continued: “I’m sad to say that Maya has been euthanised – she was a much-loved family member.

“I know there’s a lot of information circulating in the press, most of which includes many inaccuracies and a lot of hyperbole.

“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.”

“All well wishes are very much appreciated and I thank you for any time you’ve taken to contact me, my friends or family.”

Friends are fundraising for Emma to help her in her recovery. To donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/emmathesaint.