Cardwell man killed in dog attack

CARDWELL, Mo. - A Cardwell resident was attacked by dogs Thursday Sept. 26 and died as a result of his injuries.

Jimmy Miller, 72, was found unresponsive on the ground at 3:41 p.m. Thursday at 203 W. Mulberry St., and was surrounded by the animals, one of which was shot and killed by police when it lunged from Miller’s body toward officers, according to Dunklin County Sheriff Bob Holder’s report.

First responders reported they were unable to assist Miller because of an aggressive pack of dogs on scene and that he appeared dead, Holder’s report indicated.

When Dunklin County deputies arrived they encountered a reddish-brown mixed-breed dog on top of Miller, police said. The canine’s muzzle was drenched with blood, according to reports.

When deputies approached Miller the dog began snarling and lunged toward deputies, according to Holder’s report.

A deputy put the animal down quickly and Miller was attended to, reports indicated.

Miller then was identified and his injuries were later evaluated by Medic One Ambulance Service personnel, according to reports.

Miller’s wounds were “consistent with a dog attack and included severe lacerations to his arms, face and throat along with a significant amount of blood loss,” Holder’s report stated.

Miller’s wife, Bonnie Sue Miller, told police she tried to help Miller to his feet by herself, but was unsuccessful.

“Within seconds, one of the dogs, which she described as a big brown one, came over to her husband and began attacking him while he was on the ground,” the sheriff’s report indicated. “She stated the dog was biting Mr. Miller all over his arms, face and neck, causing him to lose a lot of blood.”

Dunklin County Coroner James Powell pronounced Miller dead Thursday afternoon, he told The Delta Dunklin Democrat.