Laval police shot and killed a dog this afternoon after it repeatedly attacked a 42-year-old woman.

It happened at 1:45 p.m. on St Luc St. Police say the dog bit the woman at least once, and when police arrived the dog lunged at her again.

The woman was taken to hospital, bleeding profusely, with lacerations on her hand, arm, leg and foot.

Her life is not in danger.

Police arrived on the scene after the initial attack and tried to control the dog.

When the dog attacked again, police shot it several times after initially trying to tase it.

"Different tactics were used to try and get the dog to release its bite," said Evelyn Boudreau of the Laval Police.

"Even the taser gun was used in this instance, and it did not prove to be effective, so the police officer decided that his only option was to use his firearm."

Unfortunately, several children witnessed both the dog's attack and the gunfire.

"They saw [the police officer] shoot [the dog] down, 10 or 12 rounds," said Mark Ravary, the victim's boyfriend.

A little girl was right in front of the police when they opened fire.

"She was screaming, she was crying," said neighbour Paolo Abdulneau.

According to the woman's boyfriend, the dog is a bull terrier.

It was owned by the woman's 21-year-old son.

Police said it's too early to determine if charges will be laid.