Pennsylvania Woman Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Killing Dog & Biting Humans

A Pennsylvania woman has been sentenced for her role in a bizarre home invasion that resulted in the death of a beloved family pet and biting injuries to the dog's owner and a neighbor who tried to intervene. According to the Clinton County District Attorney’s Office, 26-year-old Breanna Englert broke into a home in South Renovo, Pennsylvania, in April 2023 and was subsequently charged with multiple crimes after she stabbed a dog and resisted arrest.

This week, Englert, who pleaded guilty to the crime, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on eight counts, including criminal trespass, assault, and cruelty to animals. She may be eligible for release in just three and a half years, despite having a prior criminal record and violent history. The judge ruled, however, that she won't be eligible for any of the state's early release programs.

Englert was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crime.

Clinton County DA

According to a media release from the Clinton County District Attorney’s Office, Englert "broke into a private residence in the late night hours where she was confronted by the homeowners and a neighbor. Englert was believed to have been under the influence of controlled substances at the time.

Englert attacked the homeowner's dog with a knife and bit two of the victims, who required medical attention. Immediately following the incident, the victim's dog suffered seizures and died a short time later."

The victims called for a harsh sentence following the traumatic event.

One of the homeowners, who is a retired teacher, addressed the court during the sentencing and shared how the armed home invasion has caused lasting damage, even beyond the death of their dog.

She noted that her grandchildren are traumatized and don't want to enter some parts of the home. She addressed Englert directly and reminded her that "you invited us into your world, we never invited you into ours. You broke into our house with a knife," according to the district attorney's office media release.

Englert apologized to the victims and asked for drug treatment, but the judge wasn't swayed.

Englert has several previous arrests and convictions for assaults. She was under the supervision of the Clinton County Adult Probation Department at the time of this latest incident.

During the sentencing, she blamed her actions on prescription drug and methamphetamine abuse and tearfully asked to participate in a drug treatment program. The judge in the cased declared that she needed prison time as a "severe object lesson" because he deemed her likely to reoffend.

The victim in the case stated that she feels lucky to be alive, thanks to her neighbors, noting, "it wasn't for our neighbors, I don't know what would have happened. I truly believe our neighbors saved our lives that night," according to the district attorney's office release.