A Mississippi animal shelter worker was mauled to death by two dogs that had been rescued from a life of abuse and dog fighting, authorities say.
Clifford Phillips Jr., 57, was attacked on the afternoon of July 18 at the Second Chance Animal Alliance shelter in Water Way, Mississippi, where he had worked for the past two years, according to WREG News.
Phillips had been attempting to move two dogs into a pen when the situation turned fatal.
“A dog was already in the pen, and he was trying to put another one in,” said Phillips’ friend, Dudley Woods. “The second dog tried to bolt. Cliff tried to stop him with his foot, but the dog grabbed his leg and pulled him down. Then the other dog jumped in. One was a pit bull, the other a pit mix—and they killed him. It’s all on video.”
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Responding officers were forced to shoot one of the dogs so emergency personnel could reach Phillips, but he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the North Mississippi Herald and The Independent.
Authorities confirmed that one of the dogs—identified as the male aggressor—was later euthanized. Both dogs had been previously seized under a court order involving animal abuse and illegal dog fighting, Yalobusha County Sheriff Jermain Gooch told WREG.
At the time of the attack, more than a dozen dogs were being housed at the shelter.
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Phillips, originally from Wisconsin, had relocated to Water Valley in 2007 with his family. His obituary described him as a gentle soul who felt a deep connection to animals: “His quiet and caring demeanor helped him foster a love for animals… He often felt more at ease with pets than people, especially recalling the companionship of Eon, his childhood dog.”
A memorial service for Phillips was held on July 24 at Sylva Rena Baptist Church.
He is remembered by friends, family, and colleagues as a kind-hearted man who dedicated himself to giving animals a second chance—only to lose his life to the very cause he believed in.
