Man Gets 475 Years in Prison for Dog Fighting
A Georgia man has been sentenced to 475 years in prison for dog fighting and animal cruelty. This is believed to be the longest prison term ever given for dog fighting.
The Case Details
Vincent Lemark Burrell, 57, was arrested over two years ago and found guilty on Thursday. The charges against him included 93 felony counts of dog fighting and 10 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. The court found that Burrell was raising and training over 100 pit bulls for illegal dog fights in Paulding County, Georgia, near Atlanta.
The Sentence
Each dog fighting charge carried a five-year sentence, and each animal cruelty charge added one year, totaling 475 years. [[Burrell’s]] attorney, David Heath, has filed for a new trial, arguing that the evidence didn’t support the verdict. If the motion is denied, Burrell will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars. This case has garnered attention as a landmark ruling against animal cruelty.
A Strong Message
The lead prosecutor, KC Pagnotta, stated that this sentence sends a clear message that Paulding County will not tolerate animal abuse. The state’s animal crimes resource prosecutor, Jessica K Rock, is working to ensure the safety and well-being of animals. This case underscores the growing concern over animal welfare and the need for stricter laws against animal cruelty.