Man killed in dog attack in Essex

ESSEX, VT — A 76-year-old man died after being attacked by a pit bull at a residence on Brigham Hill Road.

Stephen G. Campbell of Essex was pronounced dead at the scene at 179 Brigham Hill Road on March 10 at approximately 3:20 p.m., according to Essex Police Chief Ron Hoague.

The Essex Police Department, Essex Rescue and the Essex Town Fire Department responded to the report of an animal attack.

Other family members were in the home at the time of the attack, including the owner of the dog, who stopped the attack and secured the animal.

The dog, a large male pit bull named Jack, had previously attacked a delivery person at the same residence, according to police.

That earlier attack resulted in an Essex Town Selectboard hearing in January, where the dog was deemed “potentially vicious” under state law and local ordinance.

The selectboard ordered several requirements for the owner, including confinement of the animal when non-residents came to the home, proper warning signage, training for the dog and owner, and muzzling equipment.

Police said the owner has complied with the selectboard’s orders and regular follow-up has been completed.

The owner voluntarily surrendered the dog to the town’s animal control officer.

The dog will be relinquished to the Chittenden Humane Society and euthanized.

Essex Police detectives and the Vermont Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are investigating the circumstances of the incident.

The medical examiner will determine the manner and cause of death.