No neglect or abuse in deadly Hopkinton dog attack, DHS says

State Department of Human Services officials said Monday their assessors found no evidence of abuse or neglect was involved in connection with the death of 3-year-old Vanessa Elizabeth Husmann of Hopkinton.

Vanessa suffered serious injuries when she was attacked by the two dogs in her backyard at 206 Third St., Hopkinton. Vanessa was pronounced dead at Jones Regional Hospital in Anamosa. Her parents, Vaughn Husmann and Rhonda Marty, live at the address where the attack happened.

“Our workers have determined it was a tragic accident,” said DHS spokesman Roger Munns. In order to make a finding of abuse, DHS assessors must conclude by the preponderance of evidence that action either caused abuse or that reasonable action was not taken to prevent abuse to a child.

Last week, the Delaware County attorney said no criminal charges will be filed in connection with the death of the 3-year-old Hopkinton child. County Attorney John Bernau said according to the sheriff's report there was no evidence of foul play in Vanessa's death.

The dogs, who were euthanized by the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, belonged to the child's grandfather. The animals were usually kept in Monticello, according to the sheriff, although a kennel and fence was installed at the Hopkinton home.