Dogs that attacked hunter in Jackson County are euthanized; owner cited

Wayne Ford, Athens Banner-Herald
·2 min read
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The three dogs that attacked and severely injured an Atlanta businessman who made a trip to his hunting stand north of Jefferson have been euthanized, according to Jackson County Animal Control.

The attack occurred Jan. 15 at a location north of Jefferson. It left the man with 298 wounds.

The victim of a dog attack in a Jackson County forest shows some of the bite marks on his legs.
The victim of a dog attack in a Jackson County forest shows some of the bite marks on his legs.

“I love being in the woods and this attack has certainly had an impact on me psychologically and mentally. I just hope I can go out in the woods again and enjoy myself,” Scott B. said Monday. The victim asked the Banner-Herald to not use his full name.

Brad Richards, director of Jackson County Animal Control, said the woman who owned the three dogs had them quarantined for 10 days as required by environmental health regulations for rabies control.

“After the 10 days were up, they were euthanized at the lady’s vet on Friday (Feb. 3),” Richards said Monday. The woman also received citations for having the dangerous animals.

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The attack by the dogs, two resembling pit bulldogs and the other a German Shepherd, occurred as the man said he was moving his hunting stand on property he leased following the end of deer season.

The 61-year-old told the Athens Banner-Herald that he fought off the dogs for more than 15 minutes before he was able to find safety in another hunter’s tree stand. He did not have a weapon and had left his cellphone at an ATV parked elsewhere in the forest.

The Alpharetta resident said his legs are still swollen, and he is undergoing therapy for his hand wounds.

Even though he was wearing gloves, the victim of a dog attack in Jackson County needed stitches for this wound.
Even though he was wearing gloves, the victim of a dog attack in Jackson County needed stitches for this wound.

“I am not sure how I will do when I try to go back in the woods the first time. I plan to wait until I am properly healed,” he said, adding that he will only go with other hunters. He also plans to start carrying an extendable baton and peppery spray, along with his guns.

“Seems like overkill, but I need to do whatever makes me feel comfortable again,” he said.

Besides the 298 wounds, with three bites requiring stitches, he reported that wearing leather gloves that day helped reduce the severity of his hand wounds.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Dogs that attacked a hunter in Jackson County forest are euthanized