Girl Attacked By Japanese Akita Dog

Concerns have been raised over dangerous dog ownership after a 10-year-old girl was bitten in Kilmarnock, the second attack of its kind this week.

Toni Clannachan was attacked by a Japanese Akita dog as she played in a friend's garden on Tuesday.

She was taken to Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock after she was bitten in the face by the dog, the Daily Record reported.

She is said to be in a stable condition following the attack.

And her father called on more to be done to stop dangerous dogs being allowed anywhere near families or young children.

James Dixon told the paper that the dogs were "killing machines".

Speaking about the injuries to his daughter's face, he said: "If the dog had bit her an inch or so lower it would have severed an artery in her neck and I really think she would be dead."

The Daily Record said Toni needed more than 100 stitches.

A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said last night: "At 4.40pm on August 31 a 10-year-old female sustained facial injuries when she was bitten by a Japanese Akita dog in the Kilmarnock area. She was conveyed to Crosshouse Hospital for treatment and is detained in a stable condition."

On Sunday 10-year-old Rhianna Kidd was mauled by two Rottweilers while riding her bicycle in Dundee.

The primary school pupil was treated for a fractured jaw and has had to have plastic surgery. The dogs were put down earlier this week.

A 33-year-old woman was charged in connection with the attack under the Dangerous Dogs Act, Tayside Police said earlier this week.

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Katrina Elsey at law firm Irwin Mitchell said: "This is another devastating injury suffered by a child as a result of a dog attack. I urge owners of dogs to ensure that their animals are kept under proper control, particularly around children. I often see attacks happen when children go around to play at other people's houses and therefore it is important for occupiers to ensure that when inviting others onto their premises that proper care is taken. We must not forget that all dogs, no matter what breed, are capable of biting if not kept under proper control."