Case Details
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Case ID: 10081
Classification: Fighting
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Dog-fighting suspected
Rural Retreat, VA (US)

Incident Date: Thursday, Aug 17, 2006
County: Wythe

Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Convicted

Defendants/Suspects:
» Sean Dayton Burlarley
» Sandra Kay Burlarley

Case Updates: 5 update(s) available

Nine American bulldogs were seized during a raid in Wythe County. Some had injuries on their faces and backs.

Before they were arrested, 32-year old Sean Burlarley and his 27 year old wife Sandra signed custody of their nine dogs over to Beverly and Brandon Wright. They are friends of the Burlarleys and they say the Burlarleys did not train their dogs to fight.

Wright just started breeding bulldogs with the help of Sandra and Sean Burlarley. She says these dogs sell for anywhere between $500 and $800, and Sandra Burlarley wouldn't sell until she checked out the buyer's home.

Wright is shocked about the drug allegations, but she says the animal cruelty is just not true.

The Wrights say they will take all nine dogs home, but they have to wait for a judge to decide what happens to the animals.


Case Updates

A Rural Retreat couple arrested in 2006 on drug and dog fighting charges avoided prison time this week in a deal with the prosecution.

Sean Dayton Burlarley and Sandra Kay Burlarley were each convicted of two felony charges Thursday in Wythe County Circuit Court after entering guilty and no contest pleas, respectively.

In exchange for the pleas, the commonwealth�s attorney recommended that the couple get suspended prison sentences and probation. They also have to pay the costs associated with housing the dogs police took from their property in August 2006.

Sean Burlarley, 33, and Sandra Burlarley, 29, were arrested after officers searched their Rural Retreat residence and found marijuana plants growing in the yard, a methamphetamine lab and 10 American bulldogs � one of which tried to attack an officer and was shot and killed.

Police also found evidence that the dogs had been trained to attack and had been used in dog fighting.

The couple were originally charged with manufacturing marijuana, organized dog fighting, possessing a controlled substance and manufacturing methamphetamine. The commonwealth, though, dropped the marijuana charge and possession charge against Sean Burlarley and the possession charge and manufacturing meth charge against Sandra Burlarley as part of written plea agreements.

Sean Burlarley was ordered to complete a diversion center program that is an alternative to incarceration, placed on probation for three years and given a six-month driver�s license suspension. He also waived his fourth amendment rights, which gives police the green light to search him or his property at any time. Sandra Burlarley received a similar sentence, but was not put into a diversion program.

According to the agreement, both defendants can still possess or own companion animals.

Sean Burlarley was listed as a �self-employed dog decoy� in court documents, and Sandra Burlarley was listed as a self-employed dog trainer working in North Carolina.
Source: Southwest Virginia Today - March 30, 2008
Update posted on Mar 31, 2008 - 1:10AM 
Sean and Sandra Burlarley appeared before the court last on September 27th. The two face multiple felony counts of organized dog fighting, manufacture of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and sale & distribution of marijuana.

The charges stem from their arrests in August 2006, when nine American bulldogs were seized during a raid of their rural property in Wythe County. Some of the dogs had injuries on their faces and backs.

The Burlarley�s will appear in court next for a plea hearing on December 3, 2007 at 1:00 p.m.
Source: Case # CR07-000086-01 Sean, CR07-000085-01 Sandra
Update posted on Oct 7, 2007 - 9:00PM 
The trial for accused dog-fighters Sean and Sandra Burlarley has been postponed.

The Burlarley's face multiple felony charges of organized dog fighting, manufacture of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and sale & distribution of marijuana.

The two will stand trial on September 27, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. in Wythe County Circuit Court, unless a plea agreement is reached before that time.
Source: Case # CR07-000086-01 and CR07-000085-01
Update posted on Jul 9, 2007 - 2:57PM 
Sean and Sandra Burlarley appeared before the court for grand jury indictment on April 16. The two were formally charged with multiple felony counts of organized dog fighting, manufacture of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and sale & distribution of marijuana.

The charges stem from their arrests in August 2006, when nine American bulldogs were seized during a raid of their rural property in Wythe County. Some of the dogs had injuries on their faces and backs.

The Burlarley�s will appear in court next for a plea hearing on June 20 at 1:00 p.m.
Source: Case # CR07-000086-01 Sean, CR07-000085-01 Sandra
Update posted on Apr 21, 2007 - 7:28PM 
Sean and Sandra Burlarley will appear before the grand jury on April 16, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. They each face felony counts of organized dog fighting, manufacture of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and sale & distribution of marijuana.

The charges stem from their arrests in August 2006, when nine American bulldogs were seized during a raid of their rural property in Wythe County. Some of the dogs had injuries on their faces and backs.
Source: Case #'s CR07-0000-85 and 86
Update posted on Mar 10, 2007 - 12:34AM 

References

WDBJ - Aug 17, 2006

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