Iowa City Animal Services investigates dog bite

**Post Date:**08/18/2026 4:34 PM

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, Animal Services was informed of a dog bite that occurred around 12:45 p.m. at Rita’s Ranch Dog Park, 640 S Scott Blvd. The owner had two pit-bull type dogs – one black and one brown with a white spot on its chest. The dog involved in the incident, as well as the owner are pictured below. A witness reported that the owner left the park in a white Mazda SUV.

Iowa City Animal Services is seeking information on the rabies vaccination status of the dogs. If anyone has any information, they are encouraged to contact Iowa City Animal Services directly at 319-356-5295 or the Iowa City Police Department at 319-356-6800.

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Picture of dogs and owner at the link.

This scam is particularly insidious because the scammer uses a real attorney to communicate with the victim. The attorney doesn't figure out it's a scam until the retainer payment bounces or the client can't produce proper documentation and evidence to support a claim, which can take a few weeks.

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The attorney told NBC6 he ultimately dropped the client after becoming suspicious himself, because he could not produce a police or animal control report documenting the attack. The person also repeatedly made excuses for why he could not speak by phone, including claiming he was working on a cargo ship overseas, according to the attorney.

Cinthya Lavin with the Better Business Bureau of Southeast Florida said the scheme appears to combine several familiar fraud tactics, including the use of professional services and counterfeit checks.

“So, a scam of trying to use a professional service to be able to collect money from them is really unique,” Lavin said.

Lavin said scammers can attempt to use a law firm as a middleman to pressure an unsuspecting victim into making a payment.

The Florida Bar previously warned its members about a similar scheme involving fake injury claims and counterfeit checks. The organization advised attorneys to independently verify claims before taking action on unexpected, high-value settlements.

Lavin said consumers should resist pressure to immediately send money or provide financial information when they receive an unexpected demand.

“It is very important for anyone receiving solicitations that they're not very familiar with or that they're not expecting to do some thorough research before feeling pressured and immediately going to pay,” she said.

She says people who receive a letter alleging an incident involving their home, vehicle, pet or insurance should independently verify the information before making any payment.

Aronoff said he is sharing his experience so other homeowners recognize the warning signs and do not fall victim to a similar scheme.

“And my poor dog, you know, being accused of something pretty vicious,” Aronoff said. “I thought it was certainly important that people were aware of it and people protected themselves and people didn't fall for any kind of scam like this,” Aronoff said.

Coming soon to a shelter or rescue near you!

Thu, August 13, 2026 at 5:31 PM

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — More than 40 dogs and puppies were rescued this week from a rural Berkeley County property where authorities say animals were living in conditions commonly associated with dogfighting operations.

The Berkeley County Sheriff's Office, assisted by Humane World for Animals and Charleston Animal Society, executed a search and seizure warrant around 7:30 a.m. Aug. 11 at the property. Investigators removed more than 40 dogs, including 15 puppies, from the site.

Responders said they found numerous dogs tethered to heavy chains throughout a wooded area. Some animals were standing in several inches of stagnant water that had accumulated around chain spots after recent rainfall. Other dogs and puppies were housed in hutches on the property.

Veterinarians who examined the animals reported that many suffered from painful, inflamed paws, which they said appeared to be the result of standing for extended periods in waste-contaminated water. Several dogs also had scars on their faces and legs that veterinarians said were consistent with injuries often seen in organized dogfighting cases.

"It’s heartbreaking to see dogs anchored to flooded chain spots with no escape from the wet," said Janell Gregory, South Carolina state director for Humane World for Animals. "The number of puppies on this property is striking. I’m thankful we are getting them out of this situation before more dogs are created to languish here."

Sheriff Duane Lewis praised investigators and partner organizations for their work on the case.

"This investigation is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when law enforcement and animal welfare organizations work together to protect those who cannot protect themselves," Lewis said in a statement. "In Berkeley County, we take animal cruelty seriously."

Authorities have not announced any arrests or criminal charges. The investigation remains ongoing.

𝙎𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙞𝙩 𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝘼𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝘼𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘼𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙁𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙁𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙤𝙜 𝘼𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙄𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓, 𝐍𝐉, 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – The Summit Police Department is providing an update regarding the investigation into the fatal dog attack that occurred on November 5, 2025, which resulted in serious injuries to a Summit resident and the death of her dog.

At approximately 6:51 a.m. on November 5, 2025, Summit Police officers responded to VEG Emergency Hospital, located at 720 Morris Essex Turnpike, for a report of an injured dog brought to the facility following an animal attack. Officers met with a 70-year-old Summit resident who reported that while walking her small dog near 91 Springfield Avenue at approximately 5:52 a.m., two pit bulls broke free from their handler and launched an unprovoked attack on her and her pet.

The victim was knocked to the ground and sustained injuries to both upper thighs, her right hand, and her right arm. Tragically, her dog later succumbed to its injuries and was pronounced deceased later that day.

The Summit Police Department Detective Bureau immediately initiated an extensive investigation, utilizing surveillance footage and witness statements to identify the owner of the dogs involved. In coordination with Summit’s contracted animal control, Animal Control Solutions, and the Westfield Regional Health Department, two dogs were subsequently surrendered and impounded pending judicial proceedings.

On April 28, 2026, following proceedings in Summit Municipal Court, the Honorable Judge John De Massi determined that the surrendered dogs met the statutory criteria for euthanasia under New Jersey law. The dogs were euthanized shortly thereafter.

Following the conclusion of the case, new information was brought to the attention of the Summit Police Department suggesting that one of the dogs surrendered in November 2025 may not have been involved in the attack. Based upon concerns raised by a witness familiar with the animals, detectives conducted a supplemental investigation and reviewed additional surveillance footage, photographs, videos, and witness testimony.

As a result of that investigation, detectives developed probable cause to believe that a different dog had been surrendered to authorities and that a dog believed to have been involved in the November 2025 attack remained in the owner's possession. Investigators further determined there was probable cause to believe false statements had been made during judicial proceedings regarding the identity of the dogs surrendered to authorities.

On June 4, 2026, the Summit Police Department, in consultation with the Union County Prosecutor's Office Special Prosecutions and Animal Cruelty Unit, obtained a warrant charging Stethanie Jacobs, 48, of Summit, with:

• 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐲 (𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞), 𝐢𝐧 𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐍.𝐉.𝐒.𝐀. 𝟒:𝟐𝟐-𝟏𝟕𝐜(𝟐)

• 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐣𝐮𝐫𝐲 (𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞), 𝐢𝐧 𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐍.𝐉.𝐒.𝐀. 𝟐𝐂:𝟐𝟖-𝟏𝐚

Ms. Jacobs was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Union County Jail pending court proceedings.

In addition to the arrest of Ms. Jacobs, the dog believed to have participated in the November 2025 attack, identified as "Blue," was voluntarily surrendered to Animal Control Solutions and has been impounded pending further judicial review.

The Summit Police Department would like to thank Animal Control Solutions, the Westfield Regional Health Department, the Union County Prosecutor's Office Special Prosecutions and Animal Cruelty Unit, and all individuals who came forward with information that assisted in advancing this investigation.

Chief Ryan Peters stated: "Like many members of our community, I am deeply troubled and saddened by the information uncovered during this supplemental investigation. The possibility that an innocent dog was surrendered and ultimately euthanized in place of the dog believed to have been responsible for this tragic attack is both heartbreaking and difficult to comprehend. While our officers, animal control officials, health department personnel, and the court relied upon the information and representations provided at the time, these new developments have raised serious concerns that warranted immediate investigation and action.

“Our thoughts remain with the victim who suffered injuries and lost her beloved pet. I want to thank the resident who came forward with the new information that led to our supplemental investigation. As law enforcement professionals, we are committed to following the facts wherever they lead and ensuring that the integrity of the judicial process is preserved. We will continue working closely with our prosecutorial and animal control partners as this matter moves forward through the court system."

As with all criminal matters, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. No additional information will be released at this time.