Pregnant Topeka Resident Severely Injured in Neighbor's Pit Bull Attack

On July 17, Audrey Austin, who was 24 weeks pregnant with twins, was violently assaulted by two pit bulls belonging to her neighbor, Tina Buck, outside her Topeka residence. The dogs attacked in darkness, causing Austin to break a finger, suffer near-loss of an eye and severe damage to her nose, leading to at least 14 hours of reconstructive surgery. She shielded her abdomen instinctively, fearing for her unborn children, and later credited a friend who tackled the animals for saving her life; police subsequently shot one of the dogs.

Buck received a municipal citation for dangerous dogs and was booked on charges of interfering with law enforcement and allowing dogs to run at large. She posted bond and is scheduled to appear in court in September. Austin’s twins remain healthy, and she plans to deliver in November, though she says the trauma will leave lasting emotional scars.