Eastpointe man to stand trial for animal abuse after video involving dog surfaces

EASTPOINTE, Mich. – An Eastpointe man will stand trial on animal abuse charges after video surfaced of him allegedly beating his dog’s head against the outside brick of his home.

John Sporer was bound over Thursday on a felony animal abuse charge. He’s accused of abusing his 3-year-old bullmastiff named Meatball.

Sporer declined to comment outside court as protesters chanted “shame on you.”

Video of the alleged abuse went viral in the community after it was posted by the Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue.

The neighbor who recorded the video in February, Timothy England, said that 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.

Veterinarians said Meatball had contusions on his head and two broken ribs. He’s now being cared for in a kennel.

Sporer’s defense attorney, Jason Malkiewicz, said his client is being overcharged.

Malkiewicz said the dog went after a cat and bit Sporer when he tried to grab it.