John Sporer remains free on bond, charged with Animal Torture, a felony. A condition of Sporer's bond is that he is "not to own or possess any animals."
7 Action News caught up with Sporer's mother, who says he has been staying away from his home in Eastpointe, and Martha Sporer revealed that her son has been sleeping on her couch with her dog since his case made headlines.
A judge may have to decide if Sporer's time in his mother's home with her pets is a violation of his bond condition.
Meatball, the dog Sporer appears to be abusing on cell phone video shot by a concerned neighbor, is now being held by Eastpointe Police in boarding at a local veterinarian.
Police officials tell 7 Action News that Meatball will not be returned to Sporer, who animal advocates expected to see in court Tuesday for his preliminary examination.
The hearing was adjourned until May 3 at 1:00.
A police official says that because Meatball was adopted out by the Michigan Humane Society (MHS), the dog will be returned to that shelter.
A spokesperson for MHS says they eagerly await Meatball's return, and they will let people know when he is ready for adoption.
