The case stems from an attack that happened near 91 Springfield Ave. in Summit at approximately 5:52 a.m. on Nov. 5, 2025, local police said. A 70-year-old woman was walking her small dog when two pit bulls broke free from their handler and launched an unprovoked attack, police said.
The woman was knocked to the ground and suffered injuries to both upper thighs, her right hand, and her right arm, authorities said. Her dog later died from its injuries.
Detectives launched an extensive investigation and, working with Animal Control Solutions and the Westfield Regional Health Department, secured the surrender of two dogs that were impounded pending court proceedings, police said.
Following proceedings in Summit Municipal Court on April 28, Judge John De Massi determined the surrendered dogs met the statutory criteria for euthanasia under New Jersey law, authorities said. The dogs were euthanized shortly afterward.
After the case concluded, a witness familiar with the animals came forward with information suggesting one of the surrendered dogs may not have been involved in the attack, according to police.
Detectives conducted a supplemental investigation that included reviewing surveillance footage, photographs, videos, and witness testimony, authorities said. Investigators developed probable cause to believe a different dog had been surrendered to authorities and that a dog believed to have participated in the November 2025 attack remained in the owner's possession, police said.
Detectives also determined there was probable cause to believe false statements had been made during judicial proceedings regarding the identity of the surrendered dogs, according to authorities.
On June 4, Summit police charged Stethanie Jacobs, 48, of Summit, with third-degree animal cruelty and third-degree perjury. She was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Union County Jail pending court proceedings, police said.
The dog believed to have participated in the November attack, identified as "Blue," was voluntarily surrendered to Animal Control Solutions and remains impounded pending further judicial review.
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