Topeka woman injured in pit bull attack by neighbor

A pregnant woman in Topeka, Kansas, sustained severe facial injuries after being attacked by two pit bulls belonging to her neighbor on July 17. Audrey Austin, who was 24 weeks pregnant with twins at the time, underwent at least 14 hours of surgery to repair damage to her nose and face. During the attack, Austin broke a finger while attempting to shield her stomach to protect her unborn children.

The attack ended when a friend intervened to tackle the dogs, and a responding police officer subsequently shot and killed one of the animals. Austin’s partner, CJ Austin, noted that the intervention likely prevented a fatal outcome.

The dogs' owner, Tina Buck, has been charged with interfering with law enforcement and having dogs running at large, in addition to receiving a municipal citation for dangerous dogs. Buck has posted bond and is scheduled to appear in court in September.