Franklin Co. man confesses to killing two dogs he previously reported stolen: Warrants

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — Warrants reveal that a man arrested and charged with shooting his own two dogs in Franklin County confessed to doing it.

On February 7, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into a report of two stolen dogs from Waid Park.

The owner had previously reported that the dogs had run away from him and were stolen by two men who then drove off. A week later, the dogs, Colby and Caleb, were found dead in the 500 block of Carolina Springs Road.

The dogs were taken to the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech and the cause of death was determined to be gunshot wounds.

The owner of the dogs, 58-year-old Terry Eugene Michel, of Ferrum, was arrested and charged on Thursday in connection to the incident.

He has been charged with the following:

• Two counts of Felony Animal Cruelty.
• One count of Filing a False Police Report.
• Two summons for improper disposal of a companion animal.

On Friday afternoon, ABC 13 obtained warrants in the case which revealed that Michel confessed to law enforcement to shooting the dogs.

The warrants also revealed, "It is believed that both dogs were shared with spouses and were killed because of marital issues."

SEE ALSO: 'Sad to lose them:' Owner wants justice after missing dogs found dead in Franklin Co.

The Sheriff's Office also told ABC 13 on Friday that Michel's wife, Rhonda, "does not appear to have any involvement" in the case.

ABC 13 spoke with Anita Scott, the Director of the Franklin County Humane Society about the arrest. She had rallied alongside Rhonda Michel through this whole ordeal hoping to bring about the dogs’ safe return.

"I spoke with Rhonda. She wanted to thank the community for their outpouring of love and support throughout this whole ordeal. She’s just in a profound state of grief right now and trying to understand what has happened," Scott said.

She said Rhonda Michel had absolutely no idea and she loved her dogs. The Sheriff's Office also told ABC 13 on Friday that Michel's wife, Rhonda, "does not appear to have any involvement" in the case.

Now, Scott is hoping for justice for these dogs.

“What he did was heinous and it was evil and it was calculated. So, we want to see him held accountable," Scott said.

The Sheriff's office said they are thankful to provide a potential resolution to this case.

The office also said that the reported theft and subsequent death of these dogs have no connection to the Waid Park Recreation Area.

Terry Michel is being held without bond.

His next court date is set for March.