His crime was considered a 'non-violent offense'
A Litigation Article from All-Creatures.org

FROM ALDF Animal Legal Defense Fund
May 2021

Just six years into his 30-year sentence, Tant was granted his first parole hearing in front of three members of the seven-member parole board. He was not required to go in front of the full parole board because, shockingly, his crime was considered a non-violent offense.

Painting by George Morland - Commons.wikimedia.org

Animals are suffering immense cruelty at the hands of dogfighters — from the dogs who are forced to fight in the ring, to the mother dogs forced to breed puppies who’ll be used in fights, to the shelter animals and stolen cats and dogs who are used as “live bait” for training. And the people who participate in this crime too often get lax punishments that fail to ensure justice is served for victims and fails to protect animals from future abuse.

David Tant of South Carolina was once considered by the underground dogfighting community to be one of the top breeders of fighting pit bulls in the country. Authorities eventually seized 47 pit bulls from Tant’s property, many with injuries consistent with dogfighting. Equipment associated with dogfighting such as, caged treadmills, a “rape box” to restrain female dogs so that they can be forcibly bred, cattle prods, a bear trap, homemade gun silencers, and remnants of a dogfighting ring, were also found on the property.

Tant pleaded guilty to four counts of animal fighting and one count of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison for animal fighting and 10 years in prison for creating a booby trap.

But just six years into his 30-year sentence, Tant was granted his first parole hearing in front of three members of the seven-member parole board. He was not required to go in front of the full parole board because, shockingly, his crime was considered a non-violent offense. The vote was split 2-1. Because the partial board did not reach a unanimous decision, Tant went before the full board — and was granted parole.

Tant’s crime was considered a non-violent offense…such a conclusion is a blatant dismissal of the harm committed against dozens of innocent animals. The Animal Legal Defense Fund fights every day to protect animals from violent abusers like Tant using the power of the law. And over the last 40 years we have made significant progress and huge strides in our mission, but Tant’s case shows that more still needs to be done.

We won’t stop fighting for animals, whether that’s by strengthening the laws in every state to safeguard them against abuse, filing lawsuits to bring abusers to justice, or educating the public about the importance animals have as unique individuals. But we can’t do it alone — we need your help. Donate at ALDF Animal Legal Defense Fund. Thank you.

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