Animals

Police investigate dog-on-dog killing 

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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.

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Categories: Animals, Public Safety

8 replies »

  1. Essex has a 6-foot maximum length leash requirement for dogs effective in all public areas. As for the social media advice, dont bring a knife to a dogfight, unless you want your arm shredded by canine teeth. Doubtful that anyone who lets their vicious pit bull run free cleans up after it either.

    • Seriously. I carry a can of dog repellant ready to grab when I’m just walking my tiny Italian Greyhounds around the neighborhood. And I’m not afraid to use it on people, either.

  2. I have always believed that in a pet/owner relationship that the human must assume the role of being the “brains” of the relationship, and therefore responsible for the actions of the pet. I have also said, previously, a little tongue in cheek, that owners should have to take a test to ascertain that they are in fact smarter than the pet . The tongue in cheek part I am more likely these days to assert more matter of factly, as there are some really irresponsible, down right stupid pet owners !

  3. Pit bull owners should have their own dog parks, aka “cage matches”, where they can do what comes naturally. Enough, already.

  4. I carry a can of Hornet & wasp spray and it’s with me everywhere and legal. A store shelf item. It emits a stream about 30 feet Hit any one / thing in the face, it’s an attitude adjuster. Cheap protection and effective.

  5. One of our dogs was attacked by a pitbull (off leash and not registered or properly vaccinated) while our dogs were on our property and leashed. Turns out the dog is a breeder dog used to make money for drug purchases. Lovely,
    huh.

  6. Has the attacking dog been put down as an aggressive threat? Is there a law for fines for owners whose dog are loose and otherwise uncontrollable?