Georgia Man Sentenced to Nearly 500 Years for Facilitating Dog Fights and Abusing Animals
Prosecutors Allege 107 Dogs Were Kept on Property with Signs of Abuse
A Georgia man was sentenced to 475 years in prison for facilitating dog fights and abusing animals, authorities said. Vincent Lemark Burrell, 57, was found guilty of 93 counts of dog fighting and 10 counts of cruelty to animals.
Investigation Launched After Amazon Delivery Worker Reports
The case began in 2022 when an Amazon delivery worker reported to authorities that several dogs were tied up with heavy chains on Burrell’s property in Dallas, Georgia. On November 8, 2022, authorities, including the Paulding County sheriff’s deputies and local marshals, searched the property with a judge’s permission.
Dogs Found in Distressing Conditions
According to prosecutors, 107 dogs were found on the property with signs of abuse, including underweight dogs and those restrained with logging chains in close proximity. Many of the dogs were also found in a basement living with urine and feces on the ground.
Evidence Links Burrell to Dog Fighting
Evidence found at Burrell’s property linked him to dog fighting, including a treadmill designed for dogs, a breeding stand, a break stick, documents linked to other “known dog fighters,” a first aid kit for injured dogs, veterinarian-only medication, and sales contracts for dogs.
Veterinarian Examines Dogs
A veterinarian examined the dogs and found some with removed teeth and scars from fighting. The dogs were seized under a federal warrant and taken in by a nonprofit organization, Friends of the Forlorn Animal Rescue.
Judge Sentences Burrell to Maximum Amount Allowed by Law
Superior Court Judge Dean C. Bucci sentenced Burrell to 475 years in prison, the maximum amount allowed by law. The sentence is the longest known sentence involving dog fighting anywhere, state animal crimes resource prosecutor Jessica K. Rock said.
Conclusion
The sentence serves as a stark reminder of the severity of animal cruelty and dog fighting. Authorities and animal welfare organizations are working together to protect animals and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many dogs were found on Burrell’s property?
A: 107 dogs were found on the property.
Q: What was the condition of the dogs found on the property?
A: The dogs were found with signs of abuse, including underweight dogs and those restrained with logging chains in close proximity.
Q: What evidence linked Burrell to dog fighting?
A: Evidence found at Burrell’s property included a treadmill designed for dogs, a breeding stand, a break stick, documents linked to other “known dog fighters,” a first aid kit for injured dogs, veterinarian-only medication, and sales contracts for dogs.
Q: What happened to the dogs found on the property?
A: The dogs were seized under a federal warrant and taken in by a nonprofit organization, Friends of the Forlorn Animal Rescue.
