By VDC staff

Essex police are investigating a fatal dog attack that occurred on a popular walking trail after an off-leash dog allegedly attacked and killed another dog Tuesday afternoon, WPTZ News 5 reports.

Police said officers were called to Overlook Park at about 3:30 PM on July 7 after receiving a report of a dog attack on the trail. According to investigators, the owner of the injured dog told police that a brown pit bull running off leash attacked his dog. The injured animal was rushed to a local veterinary hospital but later died from its injuries.

Investigators are now trying to identify the owner of the pit bull, described as a woman between 40 and 50 years old who was accompanied by a child believed to be 8 to 10 years old at the time of the incident.

The investigation remains active, and Essex police are asking anyone who witnessed the attack or has information that could help identify the dog and its owner to contact the Essex Police Department at 802-878-8331 or by email at EPD.info@essex.org.

The incident stirred comment on social media, including this from a Cambridge woman on Facebook:

“Dogs should NOT be off-leash on trails or ANY public area, EVER. I am ready with a knife, at a minimum, when walking. If YOUR dog comes at me, I WILL defend myself and my loved ones at all costs (even though it is YOUR fault for making poor decisions for your dog).”

Police have not announced whether any charges or citations are anticipated pending the outcome of the investigation.