Fatal Dog Attack Claims Life Of Shelter Worker
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WATER VALLEY – A 57-year-old man was fatally attacked by two dogs Friday afternoon at Second Chance Animal Alliance, an animal shelter located on Highway 315 just outside of Water Valley.
Yalobusha County Coroner Ronnie Stark identified the victim as Clifford Phillips Jr. of the Boat Landing community. Stark said Phillips, who worked at the shelter caring for animals, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The fatal attack was captured on the shelter’s security cameras, providing key information for investigators. Stark reported that Phillips was placing one dog into a kennel when a second dog attempted to come out. He tried to push the second dog back with his foot, and the dog latched onto his boot. The struggle escalated, with both dogs joining the attack and ultimately causing Phillips’ death.
Yalobusha County Sheriff Jerimaine Gooch reported that the two dogs involved were among more than a dozen seized in a Justice Court case dating back to January. That case was triggered by an inquiry from volunteers with Second Chance Animal Alliance. Gooch said the court-ordered seizure followed evidence of animal abuse and dog fighting.
“Most of these dogs, including the two involved in this attack, appear to be pit bulls or pit bull mixes,” Gooch told the Herald. “These dogs were described as vicious from the start, which is the reason they were seized under court order. Anyone handling the dogs should use extreme caution.”
Stark confirmed that the cause of death was puncture wounds to the throat area.
The 911 call came in at 4:20 p.m., moments after another person at the shelter discovered the victim. At the time, Sheriff Gooch and deputies were serving a search warrant at a residence in Tillatoba (see related story, page 1) and contacted the Water Valley Police Department for immediate assistance, as the shelter is located outside the city limits.
Water Valley Police Chief Jason Mangrum responded from the county jail and was on the scene at 4:28 p.m., along with other city officers. Mangrum reported that officers secured the area and shot one of the dogs to allow emergency personnel safe access to the victim.
“Officers had to shoot the dog to get to the victim, but it was too late,” added Yalobusha County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Thomas West.
An ambulance also responded, but EMTs were unable to detect vital signs, and the coroner was called. Deputy Coroner Catie Childs arrived at 4:32 and pronounced Phillips dead at the scene.
Sheriff Gooch later responded from Tillatoba. The sheriff’s department is the lead agency in the ongoing investigation.
Stark confirmed that the male dog that initiated the attack was euthanized Saturday.
Phillips was originally from Wisconsin and moved to Water Valley with his brother, Charles, in 2007. He had previously worked at Dunn’s Country Store and Piggly Wiggly.
Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday at 5 p.m. at Sylva Rena Baptist Church.
