Dog Fighting Case Update: Two Defendants Sentenced

Thursday, October 10, 2013 - 2:00pm
dog fighting vitim attached to chain looks out of dog house











They should be banned from owning dogs for the rest of their lives!

MaryJane Rissberger

Until individual states enact legislation increasing penalties for animal abuse, cruelty and fighting these are the sentences you will see. It is up to you, the animal lovers, to strongly encourage your state and local representatives to develop harsher penalties, more vigorous enforcement, and more enthusiastic pursuit of those who abuse animals. Then and only then can you complain about 16 or 10 month sentences for such offenses.


Are you kidding me!?! The sentences given do not, in any way make up for what these creeps have done!! And, what of the other folks involved? While it is good to see some small level of "justice" done, it is way too little a "punishment." And there is NO WAY these horrible creeps should EVER be able to own any animal(s) again to recreate this suffering and abuse of innocent creatures!!! Are you kidding me!?!


I want to thank all the people involved for saving these dogs. It is my hope that the majority of them were able to be placed for fostering or adoption. I find the amount of time the judge sentenced deplorable. The fines are great but in reality who will stay on top of this in a timely manner to make sure they are paid?? It goes without saying both men will only serve a few months. But at least they will be behind a bar for awhile. Although all 3 agencies did the best they could, our justice system failed to do so. Those that abuse any animal have no regard for life, any life. They enjoy torture,causing pain,watching sufferage to the point of death. It is this realization that our justice system must address. They do not belong in society. But because they abuse animals and kill them, they get rarely any jail time. But if they did the same to a person, they are sent to prison. As far as I'm concerned any person who abuses an animal or person does not deserve to be among us. Our justice system must accept these people do not change. Start giving animal abusers prison time, with out 3 meals a day, no cable tv, no healthcare, no mattress, no heat or air conditioning. And this suggestion is much too kind for what they truly deserve.

Janie Marshall

I concur with the strong feelings already submitted but don't blame the judges for the sentences. They do not write or make our laws - it's up to the elected politicians to write the laws and the prescribed sentences. Therefore, if you don't like the laws, elect those politicians who value animal welfare and will change the laws. If they don't do what you want, then vote them out the next time around!

Jo Ellen

Michael Vick has a dog, a "family pet" for his children. He should have never been allowed to own a dog or any other animal ever! His sentence was also too mild, in my opinion. Animal cruelty needs to be taken more seriously as a criminal offense.


At least they got some jail time--many of these scumbags get no incarceration whatsoever. I like that they must pay for the dogs' care-- something I am sure they neglected to do while they had possession of them. The thing that disturbs me most is the ban on owning dogs. Three years is not enough. It should be a mandatory lifetime ban.
At least, though, the judicial community is waking up to the problem. That is a good fist step!


they deserve to die for what they did


this has to be a joke - there is no way this can be all they got...they should never be allowed to own another animal, that's all they got for jail time and a whole 50 hours community service?? they should have to give so many hours a week to an animal rescue or shelter for years to come. the justice system should be embarrassed to allow this to continue.

Whitney Nurell

I think those two should spend longer than months in prison, and should be banned from owing any animal, especially dogs, especially Pit Bulls so no other dog would go through suffering for man's pleasure. I was glad to see that justice was served, and God is happy, too.