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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A South Carolina man once described as a the nation's No. 2 breeder of fighting pit bulls is getting another chance at parole.

Probation, Parole and Pardon Services spokesman Pete O'Boyle says 63-year-old David Ray Tant will have a hearing before the agency's full seven-member board Sept. 8.

Last week, a three-member panel voted 2-1 to parole Tant. But the split vote means the full board must decide if Tant is released early.

Tant was arrested in 2004 after investigators removed dozens of injured dogs from his Charleston County property. Tant pleaded guilty to several dogfighting charges, and his 40-year sentence has been reduced to 30 years.

Tant said during his hearing last week he is a changed man and won't hurt dogs again.

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