FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
November 2, 2011
For More Information, contact:
Luther
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Suzanne Webb (334) 242-7351
Strange
Alabama Attorney
General
AG ANNOUNCES PRISON SENTENCES FOR BROTHERS
CONVICTED OF FELONY DOG-FIGHTING IN AUTAUGA COUNTY
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Luther Strange announced that twin
brothers have been sentenced to prison for felony dog-fighting convictions. An order
was issued today by the Autauga County Circuit Court, sentencing Terrell McNeil, and
Terrance McNeil, who are 29. Each was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, which was
suspended and split for them to serve each day of 26 months in prison, followed by
three years of probation. In addition, each brother was fined $1,000 and ordered to pay
court costs.
Terrell and Terrance McNeil were arrested on September 24, 2008, in possession
of 33 Pit Bull Terriers at their residence on Rodock Road in Prattville. Each was
subsequently indicted, and on August 25, 2011, each pleaded guilty to one count of
felony dog fighting. Terrance McNeil has a prior conviction for dog fighting in
Escambia County, and each brother is charged with one subsequent charge of dog
fighting that now is pending, also in Escambia County.
Law enforcement officers conducted a controlled buy to purchase fighting dogs
from the brothers. The investigation revealed that they were involved in an extensive
breeding, selling and fighting enterprise that included website marketing.
“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.”
Attorney General Strange commended Assistant Attorney General Tina
Hammonds of his Violent Crimes Division and special agents of his Investigations
Division. He also thanked agencies that provided valuable assistance, noting in
particular Autauga County Sheriff Herbie Johnson and his deputies and investigators,
the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Flomaton Police Department, the Atmore
Police Department, the Wetumpka Police Department, the office of Autauga County
District Attorney Randall Houston, the Montgomery County Humane Society, the
Escambia County Humane Society and the Humane Society of the United States.
501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov Page 2 of 2
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