Woman 'seriously hurt' in attack by bully-type dog as hound is secured and victim is taken to hospital

A woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries after being attacked by a bully-type dog yesterday.

Emergency services were called to McConnel Street in Kelloholm, Dumfriesshire, at around 6.25pm.

The victim was taken to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, with her injuries described as 'serious'.

Part of McConnel Street remained cordoned off last night. Police said: 'We received a report of a large bulldog-type dog attacking a woman in McConnel Street at around 6.25pm.

'Officers remain in attendance and the dog has been secured. The public are advised to avoid the area.'

It comes as Holyrood Ministers have been criticised for refusing to disclose how many XL bully owners have applied for exemptions or have opted to have their dogs put down. 

In February, the first stage of new rules banned the breeding and sale of XL bullies while those already kept as pets must be muzzled in public.

Stage two starts on July 31 when it will be illegal to own an XL bully without an exemption certificate.

Owners can also apply for £100 to cover euthanasia/vet fees and £100 to compensate for their loss. But the Scottish Government refuses to say how many exemptions or compensation claims have been submitted.

This means the public has no idea how many potentially dangerous XL bully-type dogs there are.

A government spokesman would only say the data would be disclosed after the July 31 deadline. Tory MSP Jamie Greene said: 'The SNP's lack of transparency doesn't surprise me.

'Public safety has always come secondary in their handling of this issue.'