A pair of Escambia County men were sentenced to 26 months in prison on felony dog fighting charges in Autauga County this week. The two are facing similar charges stemming from their arrest last May at their home in Escambia County.

Twins Terrell Lenard McNeil and Terrence Denard McNeil, 29, both of Atmore, were sentenced in the Autauga County case after evidence illegal dog fighting by the pair was discovered in June 2008. The evidence in the case, which included the seizure of 37 dogs, brought 27 felony counts against the two brothers. They were arrested in August 2008 on the charges in that county.

The pair were arrested at their home in Atmore in May 2011 when a tip of an impending dog fight was reported to police there. The two were arrested after officers initiated a traffic stop on the pair close to their home.

According to information at the time of the McNeil’s May arrest, officers discovered paraphernalia in the vehicle that was consistent with dog fighting. At that time, Renee Jones, director for the Humane Society of Escambia County, was called to the seen to aid in the investigation of the suspects’ activity.

At the time of the May arrest, Jones said the pair were known as repeat offenders on dog fighting charges.

“People who fight dogs are the scourge of the earth,” Jones said. “I hope to always be of help with investigations to stop this activity. With all the work we do to take care of animals, this kind of activity is like a slap in the face.”

No details on a trial in the McNeils case in Escambia County were available Thursday.