Wrong Dog Euthanized After Fatal Attack In Summit, Police Say

SUMMIT, NJ — A Summit resident has been charged after police say a dog surrendered following a 2025 attack that injured a woman and killed her pet may not have been one of the dogs involved in the incident.

According to police, new evidence led investigators to believe that a different dog was surrendered to authorities while a dog involved in the attack remained in the owner's possession.

The case stems from a November 2025 incident in which a 70-year-old Summit woman was walking her small dog near Springfield Avenue when two pit bulls broke free from their handler and attacked, police say.

The woman suffered injuries to her legs, hand and arm. Her dog later died from injuries sustained in the attack.

Police say two dogs were surrendered following the incident and were held pending court proceedings. In April of this year, a judge determined the dogs met the legal criteria for euthanasia under New Jersey law, and both were subsequently euthanized.

The investigation took a new turn when a witness familiar with the animals came forward with information suggesting that one of the dogs surrendered was not involved in the attack, police say.

After reviewing additional surveillance footage, photographs, videos and witness statements, police say they developed probable cause to believe a different dog had been surrendered and that a dog involved in the attack remained with its owner.

Police also say they developed probable cause to believe false statements were made during court proceedings regarding the identity of the dogs that were surrendered.

On June 4, police charged and arrested 48-year-old Stethanie Jacobs of Summit. She is charged with third-degree animal cruelty and third-degree perjury.

Police say the dog they believe was involved in the November 2025 attack, identified as "Blue," was later voluntarily surrendered to animal control officials and remains impounded pending further court proceedings.

The investigation remains ongoing.