SUMMIT, NJ — A Summit woman has been charged with perjury and animal cruelty after authorities determined she may have surrendered the wrong dog following a fatal attack last year that left a 70-year-old woman injured and her pet dead.
Stethanie Jacobs, 48, of Summit, was arrested June 4 and charged with third-degree animal cruelty and third-degree perjury, according to the Summit Police Department.
The charges stem from a Nov. 5 incident in which two pit bulls attacked a Summit woman and her small dog near 91 Springfield Avenue at approximately 5:52 a.m.
The victim was knocked to the ground and sustained injuries to both upper thighs, her right hand and her right arm.
Her dog later died from its injuries.
Police responded to VEG Emergency Hospital at 720 Morris Essex Turnpike at approximately 6:51 a.m. that day after the injured dog was brought to the facility.
Two dogs were surrendered to Animal Control Solutions and impounded following the attack.
On April 28, Summit Municipal Court Judge John De Massi ordered the dogs euthanized under New Jersey law.
The dogs were euthanized shortly thereafter.
Following the conclusion of the case, a witness familiar with the animals raised concerns that one of the surrendered dogs may not have been involved in the attack.
Detectives conducted a supplemental investigation and reviewed additional surveillance footage, photographs, videos and witness testimony.
Investigators determined that a different dog had been surrendered to authorities and that a dog believed to have been involved in the attack remained in Jacobs’ possession, police said.
Authorities also determined that false statements had been made during judicial proceedings regarding the identity of the surrendered dogs.
Jacobs was arrested in consultation with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Special Prosecutions and Animal Cruelty Unit.
She was transported to the Union County Jail pending court proceedings.
The dog believed to have participated in the attack, identified as “Blue,” was voluntarily surrendered to Animal Control Solutions and has been impounded pending judicial review.
