TOPEKA, Kan. — A Topeka woman who is expecting twins is recovering after being attacked by two dogs last month, an incident she says nearly cost her life and the lives of her unborn children.
Audrey Austin was 24 weeks pregnant when she was attacked by two dogs on July 17 at the Highland Park Townhomes in Topeka. She has undergone multiple surgeries and hospital visits since the attack, and says the emotional impact has been as difficult to manage as her physical injuries.
Austin said she was disoriented in the moments after the attack and struggled to figure out where she was bleeding from. She described trying to shield her stomach because she initially believed that was the source of her injuries, before realizing the wounds were to her face.
The dogs’ owner, identified as Tina Buck, was issued a municipal citation for keeping dangerous dogs following the attack. According to Shawnee County Jail records, Buck was later booked into custody on charges of interfering with law enforcement and allowing dogs to run at large. She has since posted bond.
Austin has publicly criticized Buck for failing to keep the animals secured, saying the negligence endangered not only her life but the lives of her twins.
Local authorities have not indicated whether additional charges are pending. Austin’s recovery is ongoing, and she has not said whether she plans to pursue further legal action against the dogs’ owner.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.