A Taylorsville, Utah, woman is in the hospital in critical condition following an attack earlier this week by her son’s pit bulls, with one of her legs being amputated as a result.

The 63-year-old woman was in the backyard of her home on Tuesday afternoon when the pit bulls, owned by her son, attacked her. Police did not name the woman or her son and do not yet know what led them to maul her.

There were seven dogs involved in total: a 3-year-old adult male and 3-year-old adult female, and five 3-month-old puppies, local officials told KSL-TV. The woman had purportedly gone out back to feed the dogs.

The attack left the woman hospitalized with injuries to her hands, face and legs, one of which was amputated, the Taylorsville Police Department posted on Facebook Thursday. 

Police arrived to stop the attack, still in progress, and had to shoot the adult female dog dead when it broke loose away from officers, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

The police credited the woman’s quick thinking and call to 911, saying that she might have died otherwise.

“Our hearts are heavy following this incident, and we are grateful the victim was able to call 911 for help as quickly as she did — even as the attack was happening. It likely did save her life,” Taylorsville Police Chief Brady Cottam told KSL-TV.

The six remaining dogs, which were not registered, were surrendered by the victim’s son to West Valley City Animal Services, which is contracted out for animal control by the Taylorsville government.

City laws state that each household is only allowed two dogs each. Police have not said whether or not the owner of the pit bulls, the victim’s son, will face criminal charges.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.