A dog attack in Tacoma, Washington, has left a pregnant woman hospitalised and prompted authorities to move toward putting the two animals down. The victim is now speaking out from her hospital bed about what happened.
The incident, first reported last week, was captured on a neighbour's doorbell camera. Renee Wilson was out with her small dog when two pit bulls approached and attacked.
Wilson said the dogs bit her repeatedly, striking her arm, thigh, head and leg. She was pregnant at the time and suffered puncture wounds to her abdomen.
Those wounds forced a difficult medical decision. Because of the punctures and the risk of infection, doctors delivered her baby the following day, and Wilson said her son is healthy and doing well.
Her own recovery has proven harder. Wilson said she developed cellulitis and an MRSA infection and is receiving antibiotics through an IV, while undergoing physical therapy to regain movement in her right leg.
Authorities moved quickly on the animals. Animal control impounded both dogs on the day of the incident, and the next day they were declared dangerous; officials said they will be electing for humane euthanasia given the severity, though the matter could still go before a judge.
Officials placed the case in a wider context. An animal control officer said dog attacks have increased sharply in recent years and urged people to stay aware of their surroundings, advising that anyone confronted should not run but instead put an object between themselves and the animal.