March 29, 2024

Pit bull attack leaves dog dead, another injured

Newton police were called to the 300 block of South Fourth Avenue West to investigate a dog attack at 7:28 p.m. Friday.

Upon arrival, officers met with the owner of a deceased dog who told police that three pit bull terrier dogs charged her poodle in an unprovoked attack and bit her when she tried to stop them from attacking a second dog. The second dog was also injured.

The owners of the pit bulls were identified as Jacob Shepard, 23, and Jessica White, 21, both of Newton. The dogs were taken to the Jasper County Animal Rescue League for a 14-day quarantine pending further investigation.

Shepard was charged with two counts of allowing a dog to run at large, and White was charged with one count of allowing a dog to run at large.

Staff writer Matthew Shepard may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 425, or at mshepard@newtondailynews.com.