Ala. State Worker Investigating Dog Attack Is Mauled to Death, Owner Charged with Manslaughter

Brandy Dowdy.Photo: Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

An Alabama woman is facing manslaughter charges after her dogs attacked and killed a public health employee investigating a previous dog attack, say authorities.

That evening, deputies were called to the area about a suspicious vehicle on Crumpton Road outside of Red Bay, near the Mississippi state line.

In the frenzy, some of the dogs had to be “euthanized immediately,” the sheriff’s office said.

One resident sustained minor injuries in the attack, according to the sheriff’s office.

When deputies began investigating the suspicious vehicle, they found Beard’s body.

The Franklin County Coroner was summoned and pronounced Beard deceased.

Brandy Dowdy, 39, who owns the dogs, was arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with Beard’s death, the sheriff’s office said. It is unclear if she is facing charges in relation to the dogs' attack on the other residents.

The woman was hospitalized as a result of the attack,AL.comreports.

“She was in pretty serious condition,” Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver told AL.com.

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Beard, of Muscle Shoals, was an environmental supervisor in Franklin, Marion and Winston counties, according to the ADPH. She worked for the health department for nearly 17 years.

“It is a very sad day for ADPH, and we ask that everyone respect the privacy of the family during this most difficult time.”

It is unclear whether Dowdy has retained an attorney who can speak on her behalf.

She remains held in the Franklin County jail.

source: people.com