BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. —A Central Florida woman has been arrested after authorities say her loose dogs fatally attacked a neighbor in a case that has sparked renewed concerns over dangerous animal enforcement laws in Florida.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday that 29-year-old Linda Cutler was taken into custody and charged with manslaughter following the death of 50-year-old Jodi Cowan, who was mauled by two dogs earlier this month in the Sharpes community near Cocoa.
According to investigators, the attack happened during the early morning hours of May 19 while Cowan was walking her small dog near her home along Blue Bonnet Drive. Sheriff Wayne Ivey said the two large dogs escaped from Cutler’s property and violently attacked Cowan in the street.
Authorities say Cowan attempted to shield her own dog and flee from the animals but was eventually knocked to the ground and severely mauled. Her partner reportedly rushed outside after hearing her screams and tried to stop the attack by swinging a knife at the dogs while calling for emergency help.
Cowan was airlifted to a trauma center, where she later died from her injuries.
Investigators allege that Cutler had been warned multiple times about the dogs escaping from her yard before the deadly incident. The sheriff’s office said animal enforcement officers had previously responded to numerous complaints involving the dogs dating back to 2024.
Sheriff Ivey criticized what he described as limited legal authority for animal control officers under current Florida law, saying repeated citations and complaints were not enough to remove the dogs before the fatal attack occurred.
“While you might think animal services has the authority to seize dogs that routinely escape from yards, the unfortunate reality is they don’t,” Ivey said during a press briefing.
Authorities also stated that the dogs had allegedly shown aggressive behavior before the attack, including at least one previous biting incident.
The case has intensified public debate over dangerous dog laws in Florida and whether stronger penalties or earlier intervention measures are needed to prevent similar tragedies.
Cutler was arrested with assistance from the Melbourne Police Department and booked into the Brevard County Jail. It was not immediately clear whether she had obtained legal representation.
The dogs involved in the attack have since been taken into custody by animal services as the investigation continues.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office said additional charges could be considered pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Video Credit: ClickOrlando
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