Kansas Mother Recounts Horrific Pit Bull Attack While Heavily Pregnant
Audrey Austin, 31, sustained severe facial injuries and fears ongoing stares as she recovers and awaits the birth of her twins.
A Kansas mother has shared the profound emotional and physical toll of a brutal pit bull attack that occurred while she was 24 weeks pregnant with twins. Audrey Austin, 31, is grappling with the aftermath of the July 17 incident, which left her with severe facial injuries and a long recovery process.
Austin was walking through an apartment complex in east Topeka when two dogs became involved in an altercation, subsequently attacking her. Her fiancé, CJ Austin, described the scene as horrific, stating her face was severely injured. During the attack, Austin prioritized shielding her unborn children, sustaining a broken pinky as she attempted to protect her abdomen.
Medical and Emotional Aftermath
A bystander intervened, reportedly saving Austin's life. She underwent a 10-hour reconstructive surgery on her face and nearly four hours of surgery on her eye. Despite these extensive medical interventions, Austin reports struggling with the psychological impact, particularly the constant stares from strangers. She has also developed a fear of large dogs.
Austin stated she does not blame the animal, attributing the attack to the owner's training and upbringing of the dog. The pit bull involved was shot and killed by Topeka police after becoming aggressive toward an officer, while a second dog was taken into animal control custody. The owner of the dogs has not been publicly identified.
The incident remains under investigation by the Topeka Police Department.
Recovery and Family
Austin's twins, Kasai and Kamyiah, were born at 38 weeks and remain in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), requiring respiratory support. Austin believes the trauma and repeated surgeries may have placed additional strain on the babies. She continues to visit them daily and is focused on their well-being and bringing them home.
Unable to return to work due to her injuries, Austin faces further surgeries, including a planned forehead flap procedure for her nose reconstruction. The family is navigating significant financial and emotional challenges as Austin continues her recovery and awaits the day her children can come home.
