Warminster police arrest man for killing dog

On Friday, May 16, 2025, at approximately 9:27 p.m., Warminster Police officers responded to the 600 block of East Street Road for a check on the well-being of Matthew Spanburgh. Complaint reported that Spanburgh was having marital issues and may have killed his dog. Furthermore, the complaint reported that they feared Spanburgh might also kill himself. 

Upon arrival, patrol officers spoke with Spanburgh, who confirmed that he had killed his black and tan colored Belgian Shepard by drowning. Spanburgh then led the officers to the bedroom, where they observed the dog deceased. Warminster Police CID obtained a search warrant for the property and recovered the dog. Warminster Police, working with Warminster Animal Control Officer and Bucks County SPCA, finished the investigation and obtained an arrest warrant for Spanburgh. 

Spanburgh was arraigned before District Justice Christopher O’Neill and was remanded to Bucks County Correctional Facility, on ten percent of $300,000 on the animal charges and an additional 10 percent of $30,000 on the charges stemming from another incident. Attached is the Criminal Complaint and Affidavit filed.