Appeal bond denied for dog owner who confessed to killing his dogs in Franklin County

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. – Terry Michel, the dog owner who confessed to killing his dogs in Franklin County, has been denied bond for a second time in an appeal hearing.

This comes after the 58-year-old was initially denied bond last week when the judge cited concerns that Michel is unpredictable because of these alleged actions as well as concerns that he would not obey orders.

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UPDATE - 12:10 p.m.

Terry Michel, the dog owner who confessed to killing his dogs in Franklin County, has been denied bond.

The judge cited concerns that Michel is unpredictable because of these alleged actions as well as concerns that he would not obey orders.

His family was in the courtroom as well as community animal advocates.

Michel’s wife Rhonda testified during the bond hearing saying she is terrified. She also told the judge, “I’m afraid if you let him out, I’m next.”

[UPDATE: Wife of Franklin County man accused of killing dogs ‘relieved’ her husband was denied bond]


ORIGINAL STORY

Fifty-eight-year-old Terry Michel, the owner who confessed to killing his two dogs, is set to make his first court appearance in the Franklin County General District Court on Wednesday.

His bond hearing is scheduled for 10:45 a.m.

As we’ve reported previously, in early February, Michel reported that his two dogs, Caleb and Colby, had been stolen, and about a week later, the dogs were found dead.

Not long after, Michel was arrested in connection with their deaths and would later confess to killing them, stating that he shot and killed the two dogs before taking their bodies and dropping them off on the side of Carolina Spring Road, according to court records.

He currently faces the following charges:

  • Two counts of felony animal cruelty
  • One count of filing a false police report
  • Two summons for improper disposal of a companion animal

We will continue to have live updates on this incident throughout the day online and on-air.


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About the Authors:

Jazmine Otey joined the 10 News team in February 2021.

Lauren Helkowski joined WSLS 10’s digital team in August 2022, but has held a passion for storytelling long before.