Georgia Man Sentenced to Nearly 500 Years for Facilitating Dog Fights, Abusing Animals
Longest Known Sentence Involving Dog Fighting
A Georgia man was sentenced last week to 475 years in prison for facilitating dog fights and abusing animals, which included 107 dogs seized at his property in November 2022, authorities said.
Defendant Denies Involvement in Dog Fighting
The defendant, Vincent Lemark Burrell, 57, denied being involved in dog fighting in court. It wasn’t clear whether Burrell would appeal. His attorney did not immediately respond to a voicemail message.
Case Launched in 2022
The case launched in 2022 when an Amazon delivery worker reported to authorities that several dogs were tied up with heavy chains on the defendant’s property in Dallas, Georgia, about 30 miles west of Atlanta.
Search Warrant Executed
On November 8, 2022, prosecutors K.C. Pagnotta and Jessica K. Rock, along with Paulding County sheriff’s deputies and local marshals, were on hand to search the property with a judge’s permission.
Dogs Found in Abusive Conditions
Prosecutors alleged that 107 dogs were on the grounds with signs of abuse, including some observed as underweight — with the grounds apparently lacking food, water, and shelter — and many dogs restrained with logging chains in close proximity, “a tactic that serves to build dog aggression.”
Evidence Linked Burrell to Dog Fighting
Evidence at Burrell’s property linked him to dog fighting, the DA’s office said. The evidence included a treadmill designed for dogs, a breeding stand, a break stick “used to pry open the jaws of a dog during a fight,” documents linked to other “known dog fighters,” a first aid kit for injured dogs, veterinarian-only medication, and sales contracts for dogs.
Dogs Seized and Rehomed
The county seized the dogs under a federal warrant, and they were ultimately taken in by a nonprofit organization, Friends of the Forlorn Animal Rescue.
Judge Sentences Burrell to 475 Years
Superior Court Judge Dean C. Bucci sentenced Burrell to 475 years based on his conviction by a jury last week on 93 counts of dog fighting and 10 counts of cruelty to animals.
Conclusion
This case is a significant victory for animal welfare, and the sentence handed down reflects the gravity of the defendant’s crimes. It is essential for law enforcement to prioritize the protection of animals and hold accountable those who engage in cruel and inhumane treatment.
FAQs
* What is the longest known sentence involving dog fighting?
+ 475 years, handed down to Vincent Lemark Burrell
* How many dogs were found on the defendant’s property?
+ 107 dogs
* What was the defendant’s sentence?
+ 475 years in prison
* What organization took in the seized dogs?
+ Friends of the Forlorn Animal Rescue
