COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A South Carolina man once described as a the nation's No. 2 breeder of fighting pit bulls is making a case for his freedom.
The state's parole board on Wednesday is hearing from 63-year-old David Tant.
Tant was arrested in 2004 after a man doing surveying work near his Charleston County property triggered a booby trap that authorities said had been set to keep intruders away from the compound.
Investigators removed and later euthanized dozens of dogs - many with rashes and open wounds - and Tant pleaded guilty just as South Carolina's first major dogfighting trial got under way.
Tant's 40-year sentence has been reduced to 30 years.
Attorney General Henry McMaster is expected to oppose parole at the hearing.
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