EASTPOINTE, Mich. – A man convicted of animal abuse and torture learned his fate Wednesday morning.
UPDATE: Eastpointe man sentenced to jail for viciously beating 'Meatball' the bullmastiff
John Sporer was sentenced to 29 days to be served on weekends so he can continue to work during the week.
Sporer was captured on video attacking a dog. A neighbor recorded it with his cellphone. It showed Sporer slamming the bull mastiff's head into a wall.
Eastpointe police initially questioned Sporer, then returned to break down his door and arrest him.
The Macomb County prosecutor charged him with felony animal abuse and torture.
The neighbor who recorded the video in February 2016, Timothy England, said he saw Sporer holding the dog by his choker and hitting him with his other hand.
“He was using both hands in the act,” England said.
Read back: Concerned neighbor records dog's beating
Veterinarians testified the dog, named Meatball, had contusions on his head and two broken ribs. A jury found Sporer guilty on all charges.
Meatball was moved to a kennel where he has room to be a dog again.
"Justice for Meatball?" After one long year, "Meatball's" former owner, John Sporer was sentenced today for 2 felony counts of animal torture. His two attorneys argued that Sporer should not get any jail time. Instead, he got 29 days, serving time on weekends so he can continue to work during the week. Some aren't happy that Sporer didn't get more time, the max was 4 years. Others are pleased that the case served as a learning example for anyone who would abuse an animal, any police department that doesn't respond in a timely manner or any prosecutor who doesn't take the cases seriously. Meatball is happy and safe with the animal advocate Karen Cameron and the entire case would have never seen the light of day without the tireless champion of those that have no voice - Theresa Sumpter with amazing group Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue. More tonight WDIV Local 4 / ClickOnDetroit.
Posted by Shawn Ley on Wednesday, February 8, 2017
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