North Carolina Man Arrested for Animal Cruelty After Disturbing Video Surfaces

A North Carolina man, Matthew Neal, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty following the circulation of a shocking video on social media that shows a dog being beaten. The arrest led to eleven dogs being placed in protective custody.

Neal, 32, faces nine felony counts of animal cruelty in Lenoir County and two misdemeanor counts in Duplin County. Law enforcement officers from the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office apprehended Neal at 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday at his residence and business, East Carolina Retrievers, located on Ash Davis Road in Pink Hill.

East Carolina Retrievers is known for training hunting retrievers and gun dogs, and participating in hunt tests and field trials. While the company’s website is currently under maintenance, its Facebook page details its activities and services.

Sheriff Jackie Rogers confirmed the rescue of the eleven dogs from Neal’s property, ensuring their safety. He expressed gratitude to the community members who provided vital information leading to Neal’s arrest. Neal was given a $45,000 secured bond in Lenoir County and a $2,000 secured bond in Duplin County, which he has since posted. He is now awaiting his court date. Sheriff Rogers voiced his outrage at the content of the videos during a press conference, describing his disgust as an animal lover. He emphasized the importance of promptly reporting animal abuse to prevent further harm.

The investigation, led by Capt. Christy Smith, revealed that the videos of alleged abuse date back to 2020, recorded by a former employee of East Carolina Retrievers. Smith indicated that the investigation might uncover further instances of abuse as more information comes to light. Anyone with evidence or firsthand knowledge of the abuse is urged to contact the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office.

Bree Adams, a dog owner who had entrusted her Labrador, Lady, to Neal’s care, shared her distress upon learning of Neal’s arrest. Despite initially finding Neal and his facility reputable, Adams noticed behavioral changes in Lady, suspecting mistreatment.

Please sign this petition to demand accountability for a woman who tortured 24 dogs!

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