Concerned neighbor records dog's beating; Eastpointe police investigating

3-year-old bullmastiff named Meatball recovering

EASTPOINTE, Mich. – Eastpointe resident Tim England got emotional when he talked with Local 4 about what he saw his neighbor doing last Friday to a dog. 

England said he saw his neighbor repeatedly bash the head of a 3-year-old bullmastiff named Meatball against the home's brick.

“He came back out, pushed the dog on the ground, kicked the dog in the face. Pushed him back on the ground again," England said. “I thought he was hurt. I was going to go outside and help him.”

England videotaped the beating while his fiance called 911. Police came and watched the video, but left the dog in the home. 

England shared the video with the Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue. The organization's director, Terry Sumpter, posted it to their Facebook page -- and it blew up. 

"We have 90,000 followers. We had people all over the country calling us, calling the police department," Sumpter said. 

Police returned to the dog's home on Wednesday and broke down the door. The dog was taken the Eastpointe Animal Hospital. The animal hospital told Local 4 he has cuts on his head and scars on his neck. 

Police said they are investigating the dog's owner. 

Local 4 tried to contact the dog's owner but has not heard back. 


About the Author:

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.