A tragic incident unfolded in Essex, Vermont, where a 76-year-old man named Stephen Campbell died following an attack by a large pit bull in his home on Brigham Hill Road on Tuesday afternoon. Police reported that the incident occurred shortly before 3:30 p.m. Family members were present during the attack, including the dog’s owner, who managed to intervene and halt the assault.

The pit bull, identified as Jack, had previously been the focus of discussions at an Essex Town Selectboard meeting due to earlier reports of aggressive behavior. Concerns were raised as several individuals testified that they had been bitten by the dog, including a Meals on Wheels worker who described a harrowing experience of being attacked while making a delivery. The Selectboard imposed regulations on the dog’s owner, including requirements to keep the dog leashed at all times and to muzzle it when off the owner’s property.

Despite the measures put in place, Campbell succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Following the incident, authorities announced that the dog would be transferred to the Chittenden Humane Society, where it will be euthanized.

This tragic event has left the community shocked and raised further questions regarding pet ownership and public safety.