Twin Brothers Sentenced For Dog Fighting

November 4, 2011

Twin brothers facing dog fighting charges in Escambia County (Ala.) have been sentenced to prison on dog fighting convictions in Autauga County.

According to Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange, Terrell and Terrance McNeil, both age 29, were sentenced to 26 months in prison to be followed by three years probation. In addition, each brother was fined $1,000 and ordered to pay court costs.

The McNeil brothers were arrested on September 24, 2008, with 33 pit bulls at their residence in Prattville. Both were indicted and pleaded guilty to one count of felony dog fighting.

Terrance McNeil has a prior conviction for dog fighting in Escambia County, and each brother has dog fighting charges pending in Escambia County.

“This crime involves a deliberate cruelty and terrible abuse of animals that is deeply disturbing and that must not be tolerated,” said Attorney General Strange. “I am pleased that this case sends a message that in Alabama, the crime of dog fighting will be taken seriously and punished sternly.”

Terrance McNeil pleaded guilty to felony dog fighting charges that stemmed from a 2008 incident in Atmore. An anonymous tip led investigators with the Atmore Police Department and the Humane Society of Escambia County (Ala.) to North Sunset Drive where they found a makeshift dog fighting arena. According to investigators, they found several vehicles parked outside a trail that led into a thickly wooded area, ending at a “plywood pit” surrounded by floodlights powered by a portable generator. They also located an assortment of alleged dog fighting paraphernalia.

Pictured top: An alleged dog fighting arena discovered in a wooded area off North Sunset Drive in Atmore  in June, 2008. Pictured below: One of the dogs allegedly involved in the incident. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

8 Responses to “Twin Brothers Sentenced For Dog Fighting”

  1. pittowner on November 5th, 2011 9:10 pm

    Im so glad they got caught and sentenced. Just wish they got more time. People that do this to helpless dogs should have the same thing done to them and see how they like it. Wow I have a pitbull and its the sweetest most loving dog ever. I dont see why “These People” think its cool to do this to helpless animals

  2. Godscreatures on November 5th, 2011 9:31 am

    These boys should have been locked up a long time ago. They have basically spit in the face of the law for too long. When they were first caught fighting these dogs why were they not locked up then? They were put on probation so they just moved to another town. Now all they get is 2 years??? I don’t think anyone who can treat animals like this with a clear conscience can be cured. They get a high from seeing mauled animals. And I disagree that Michael Vick is a role model. Michael Vick just cleaned his act up for the public to save his reputation.
    These boys have too much support in from family and friends in Atmore and they should be locked up for a very long time. This area is also famous for fighting roosters, and no one is doing anything about that either. These animals are like children, they have no one to defend them against these monsters. Just makes me sick that so much of our tax dollars have been spent to finally get these boys and all they get is 2 years. As far as probation? That is a joke to them. They were on probation when they were caught. Probation for people like this is a joke.

  3. 429SCJ on November 5th, 2011 6:56 am

    A bushell basket and a few seasons on the State Farm can do much to heal the mind. They just need good supervision. My late uncle was a guard at Hollman. I heard when he expired, the inmates and Alabama Department of Corrections breathed a sigh of relief. These young men just need guidance, someone like my late uncle, and the solace of knowing it is all for their own good.

  4. Jane on November 5th, 2011 6:20 am

    Dogs are meant to be cared for and loved…not tortured and made to fight each other. Many pit bulls are loving animals, not villians. There are so many animals who are at shelters who need love…think about adopting or even fostering a dog or cat for the holidays instead of buying one from a store. Neuter your animals, to keep feral cats/dogs from breeding. Be a responsible pet owner!

  5. Seriously Serious on November 4th, 2011 6:14 pm

    jcellops, it’s a nice little fairy tale that Vick is doing ‘good’ for pit bulls and all, but the scary reality is that in Philly alone dog fighting arrests TRIPLED after Vick joined the Eagles, AND, most of those arrests are minors, under 18 years old. Vick speaking to the ‘children’ only sends a message that if you’re rich or talented, or famous, you can do whatever you want to keep right on doing it…kind of like Lohan, Hilton and that ignorant bunch. Until these sadists get what they truly deserve, nothing is going to curb their lust for blood and money. Glad AL is doing something to send a message, just wish it wasn’t a whisper!

  6. jcellops on November 4th, 2011 12:22 pm

    michael vic actively goes around on speaking/educational events, along with the president of the national humane society, in a sincere attempt to educate AGAINST dog fighting now….granted, hell most likely never be able to fully redeem himself for the extreme cruelty that he mercilessly injected onto his many pitbulls- but, i would hope (due to his notariety) that his new attitude towards dog fighting and animal cruelty makes a difference in the popularity of this horrible “sport”…the same goes with the cock fighting “sport”!

  7. iluvmypitts on November 4th, 2011 8:17 am

    Good they need to be punished for fighting pitts thats why society today is afraid of the bulldog species. Its not all bulldogs & its all on how you raise them! Maybe & with alot of hope there will be in the near future more individuals caught in attempt to fighting these dogs. I myself if i ever hear or see of any such action i will turn them in. In closing the people(s) convicted not only should serve out there time but as well should be put in a cell with haters & see how they like to be attacked!!!!

  8. Safebear on November 4th, 2011 6:31 am

    Michael Vick was such a role model