Baby recovering after dog attack

It is believed the baby was attacked by the dog in this house

A baby boy has been treated for facial injuries in Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Yorkhill after he was attacked by the family pet.

The 11-month-old child was bitten by a Staffordshire bull terrier at about 1700 BST on Sunday in a house in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire.

He was discharged from hospital on Monday and is recovering at home.

A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police said the dog was taken to a vet where it was "humanely destroyed".

'Nanny dogs'

Doreen Graham, spokeswoman for the Scottish SPCA, said it was an unusual case as Staffordshire bull terriers were known for being good natured with children.

"Hence their nickname, nanny dogs," she said. "It's a tragic case but in the main Staffies have a very good reputation with children.

"We have seen a spate of attacks where specific breeds have been highlighted in the press.

"I am sure there are other attacks which are happening which are not highlighted and there could be a tendency to demonise certain breeds and I would suggest that that's wrong."

The attack happened in Divernia Way.

Ryan O'Meara, editor of K9 Magazine, said: "We need far more education on what provokes dog attacks, which is why we want the government to bring in a suitability certificate, or a 'doggy driving licence'.

"That would require dog owners to sit a basic exam to show they are aware of their responsibilities towards the animal and other people."