February 11, 2008

UPDATE: Authorities have found Brianna Denison's body in a field on the south side of Reno. An autopsy revealed that she was strangled to death and DNA evidence indicates she was attacked by a serial rapist who has attacked two other women in the last four months in that area.

NEVADA – The search for 19 year-old Brianna Denison, who has been missing for 18 days, has not yielded any new evidence. But authorities say the addition of hunting beagles and horses will greatly increase the chances of finding her.

Animal assistance will let searchers comb through more grounds. Volunteers horse riders with Red Rock Hounds and their 65 beagles are as effective as 10,000 people. Heightened senses of smell and hearing, combined with an endless drive to hunt, provide the dogs with everything they need to be successful rescuers.

To manage and keep up with the dogs, horses have been employed, too.

The dog and horse teams are especially beneficial in the areas of rough terrain where this search is taking place.

The area of West Keystone where authorities hope to find Denison is not easily navigated on foot.

Authorities say it can be difficult for hounds to pick up a person’s scent after more than a week. Still, they’re hopeful the dog’s skills will narrow the search area.

According to local authorities, Denison had been at a concert the night she was allegedly abducted. The college student slept on a friend’s couch that night, not far from a glass door, reportedly left unlocked.

The next morning, her friend came out only to find Brianna had gone missing. Her clothes and bag were gone as well. All that remained is what is believed to be a blood stain from the pillow she was using.

Authorities allege someone entered the residence and took the woman while she slept. They don’t have any leads at this point, but are awaiting the results of a DNA test from the blood sample they found.

Tell us what you think under this story. Post your favorite pet videos at the zootooTV tab. E-mail us your story ideas at news@zootoo.com or call us at 877-777-4204.