Trial continues for man accused of beating dog on camera

MT. CLEMENS, Mich. (WJBK) - Shocking video showed an Eastpointe man slamming a dog's head into a brick wall.

It's a story we first told you about earlier this year. That dog owner is facing time behind bars as the felony animal abuse case against him has gone to the jury.

Meatball the 3-year old mastiff has recovered after a video was taken of his owner kicking, punching, and slamming his head into a brick wall last February in Eastpointe. His new owner says it's taken a while for Meatball to heal.

"He doesn't seem to have too much effects of abuse," said Karen Cameron. "Although if you raise your voice or move quickly, he kind of ducks and squints his eyes and waits for the blows to come."

She and other animal rights activists sat through a three day trial, listening to arguments for and against the behavior of John Sporer, accused of causing trauma to Meatball's head, and breaking his ribs.

The 24-year-old is charged with animal torture a felony, animal cruelty a misdemeanor and another misdemeanor for not having a dog license.

"It was very, very hard to sit next to the defendant for an hour before court started today," said one activist.

Sporer's only words were to say he would not be testifying. The defense alleged Sporer reacted appropriately after being bit by Meatball, something the man who took the video says, he didn't see happen.

"When that bad behavior happens, he should respond," said Dana Goldberg, Macomb County assistant prosecutor. "How does it help for him to do it over and over again over the span of 10 to 20 minutes? Is that really effective?"

"People have ways of disciplining an animal because you don't want an animal to go out and do that to you or someone else," said defense attorney Jason Malkiewicz

With closing arguments delivered, the case lies in the hands of the jury, made up of six men and six women. Animal activists in attendance are hoping for Sporer to receive the maximum sentence of four years in prison

"I applaud the prosecutor's office here in Macomb County, I think they've done a really good job," said Theresa Sumpter, Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue.

Deliberation in this case will continue Wednesday morning, and FOX 2 will bring you their verdict both on air and online.