Severe attack on bloodhound leaves Hornersville man in awe

Harley, a bloodhound belonging to Aaron Jamerson of Hornersville, Mo., was attacked in the woods behind Jamerson's home on Thursday. The wounds have been identified as coming from a large animal from the cat family. Photo provided

Jamerson owns two outside dogs Harley and Angus, a rottweiler, which travel across the field to his grandparents house nearly every day. The dogs are able to roam free across the property, because Jamerson does not live in city limits.

Early in the day on Thursday, Jamerson was out of town and an employee was working in the shop near Jamerson's house. While the employee was working, he heard a loud commotion coming from out back in the woods behind the shop, according to Jamerson.

"Harley has a very distinct sound, because he is a bloodhound, and it was him who made the loud noise," Jamerson said.

Later in the day, Jamerson began to get worried because Angus was the only dog around the home.

"I called down to my grandparents and they said that the dogs had not been there all day," Jamerson said. "That's when I got worried."

He grabbed Angus and loaded up the mule to search for Harley in the woods. Once the mule reached a certain area, Angus jumped and ran towards a fallen Harley, Jamerson noted.

At first glance, Jamerson was under the impression that Harley was dead, but then he saw him breathing. The next thought that crossed his mind was that of having to put the dog down, because of his injuries, Jamerson commented.

Harley saw his owner and was able to regain the energy to stand up, according to Jamerson.

"I wasn't able to carry him from the woods, because of all the downed trees and limbs," Jamerson said.

Harley made his way back with his owner and was taken to a Veterinarian's office. The Veterinarian informed Jamerson that Harley should survive the attack, but it will take time to tell if a bacterial infection had occurred.

When asked about the animal causing the wounds, the Veterinarian informed Jamerson that the animal was a cat and very large.

"The Veterinarian said if it was a bobcat, then it was a really big bobcat, if not it was something bigger," Jamerson said.

Several people have reported seeing cougars in the area, Jamerson noted.

"I have never seen a cougar myself but have heard people say they have," Jamerson added.