Dog attack results in woman’s death

Investigators have arrested Brandy Lee Dowdy for manslaughter and dangerous dog law, also known as Emily’s Law, after a dog attack apparently ended a woman’s life Saturday.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of Alabama Department of Public Health employee Jacqueline Summer Beard. The fatality occurred Saturday after a pack of dangerous dogs attacked her earlier in the day.

According to the FCSO, Beard was following up on a dog attack report from earlier in the week – an incident that had been reported to Franklin County Animal Control – when Beard was apparently attacked by the same pack of dogs.

Her body was found after someone called authorities about a suspicious vehicle on Crumpton Road, located outside Red Bay.

Upon arrival, they were met by Crumpton Road residents. Several dogs started attacking the residents while deputies were there, and one person received minor injuries. Some of the dogs had to be euthanized immediately, according to the FCSO.

When the deputies started investigating the suspicious vehicle, they located Beard’s body.

Franklin County coroner Charlie Adcox pronounced Beard deceased.

According to the sheriff’s office, it is believed Beard was attacked as she was attempting to contact the dogs’ owner.

Monday afternoon, Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver reported the investigation is ongoing, with no additional details to share at this time.