INDIANAPOLIS -- A woman was critically injured when two pit bulls attacked her Sunday outside her home on Indianapolis' north side.

Indianapolis police said the victim, Brenda Hill, 68, was taking out her trash when the two dogs blindsided her, 6News' Derrik Thomas reported.

Animal Care and Control went to Lee Carroll's home nearby and took the dogs, a male and female, away on Monday morning.

"The two dogs … got loose from the back yard of the home attacked her and severely mauled her legs," said Indianapolis police Lt. Jerry Bipus. "One of her legs -- the right leg -- there is bone exposed, severe lacerations."

Police said it was the first time they had been told of an attack involving dogs from that particular home.

If the dogs are found to have caused serious bodily injury, they will become the city's property.

"It was an accident, man," Carroll said. "Stuff happens. I hated that it had to happen."

Although the dogs hadn't attacked anyone previously, neighbors said they have intimidated others.

"You can hear them barking all hours of the night," said one neighbor. "Ever since I noticed they had dogs, they've been a problem."

Police said they found nine pit bull puppies in Carroll's home.

Hill underwent surgery at Wishard Memorial Hospital early Monday afternoon. She was last listed in good condition. Doctors hope to save her legs.