ESSEX, VT — A woman has been arrested on manslaughter and reckless endangerment charges after her dog fatally attacked her father in March.
Janna Campbell, 43, of Essex, was arrested June 12 by Essex Police following a three-month investigation into the death of Stephen Campbell, 76, of Essex.
Stephen Campbell died March 10 after being attacked by his daughter’s pit bull, “Jack,” at a residence on Brigham Hill Road.
Essex Police responded to the report of an animal attack at approximately 3:20 p.m. March 10.
Essex Rescue and the Essex Town Fire Department also responded to the scene.
Responders found Stephen Campbell had suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Other family members were in the home at the time, including Janna Campbell, who was able to stop the attack and secure the dog.
The investigation revealed Jack had a known pattern of violent behavior and had injured several others prior to the fatal attack.
The dog was the subject of an Essex Town Selectboard hearing in January after attacking a delivery person who came to the residence.
That victim also suffered severe injuries and requested the hearing.
The Selectboard ruled Jack was a “potentially vicious dog” and issued requirements including confinement when nonresidents visited, warning signage, training for the dog and owner, and muzzling equipment.
Essex Police said Janna Campbell had complied with the Selectboard’s orders.
Janna Campbell voluntarily surrendered the dog to the Town via the Animal Control Officer following the fatal attack.
The dog was relinquished to the Chittenden Humane Society and euthanized.
Janna Campbell was processed and released with a citation to appear at Chittenden County Superior Court, Criminal Division, on June 16.
The Vermont Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the manner and cause of death.
