MICHAEL CROSS AND PAIGE RYAN FROM BARRY INVOLVED IN CRUELTY CASE WITH LUNA THE BULLDOG
| Red Rose Database
Barry Animal Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Barry, two prolific dog breeders, Michael Cross and Paige Ryan, have been found guilty of subjecting a defenseless bulldog named Luna to repeated acts of physical and emotional abuse. The incident, which took place at their residence on Osprey Court, has brought to light the cruelty inflicted upon the animal, as well as the neglect and mistreatment that went on behind closed doors.
Michael Cross, born on October 10, 1992, and residing at Osprey Court, and Paige Ryan, also known as Paige Cornwall, born on April 17, 2004, and living at Dunlin Court, were both involved in breeding bulldogs under the name Crossfire Bullz. Witnesses observed them keeping Luna confined in an outdoor pen, where she was subjected to violent beatings and emotional torment. Both individuals admitted in court to causing unnecessary suffering to the dog through their actions, which included physical assaults and emotional abuse.
The cruelty was vividly documented by witnesses and authorities. A witness recounted seeing Paige Ryan repeatedly thrash Luna with a stick, while Michael Cross was observed punching the dog in the face. These acts of violence were not isolated incidents but part of a pattern of abuse that shocked those who saw the footage and heard the testimonies.
On September 14, 2022, RSPCA inspector Christine McNeil began investigating allegations of mistreatment after receiving multiple pieces of footage from members of the public. The footage depicted Luna living in poor conditions, confined in a pen at the rear of a ground-floor flat on Porthkerry Road, Barry. The investigation revealed that the residents, including Cross and Ryan, had since moved from the property, complicating the case.
Inspector McNeil, who attended the property on December 14, 2022, with police, explained that she met with Cross and Ryan during her inquiry. She also encountered Luna’s new owner, who had taken the dog after her rescue. Despite her initial concerns, McNeil noted that Luna appeared to be in reasonable physical health, although she was visibly nervous and wary of being touched. The inspector observed that Luna would often lower her body and avoid eye contact, indicating her fear and trauma.
Further examination by a veterinarian confirmed Luna’s distressed state. The vet noted that Luna was uncomfortable in confined spaces and exhibited signs of fear, such as cowering and avoiding contact. The veterinarian’s report, based on the footage and witness statements, concluded that Luna had suffered unnecessarily due to the violent treatment she endured. The report detailed instances where Cross was seen punching Luna repeatedly and Ryan hitting her with a stick while she was confined in her enclosure.
According to the veterinary expert, these actions would have caused Luna pain, inflammation, and bruising, although no permanent injuries were observed. The expert emphasized that the repeated nature of the abuse and the negative reactions Luna displayed strongly indicated prolonged suffering. The report also highlighted that Luna’s reactions to being hit with a stick suggested she had developed a significant negative association with the object, further evidence of ongoing abuse.
Following the court proceedings, Inspector McNeil expressed her disappointment and outrage at the cruelty inflicted upon Luna. She thanked South Wales Police and the witnesses for their crucial support, acknowledging the trauma witnesses must have experienced in witnessing such abuse. The inspector emphasized that Luna’s suffering was entirely unacceptable and that justice needed to be served.
In sentencing, both Cross and Ryan received an 18-month community order. Cross was ordered to complete 225 hours of unpaid work, while Ryan was assigned 180 hours. Additionally, both were fined £250 each to cover costs. They were also disqualified from owning or keeping any animals for a period of five years, a ban that will last until December 2028.
It was also revealed that Cross and Ryan, who are still a couple, reside together at 28 Fryatt Street, Barry. The case took a further turn in March 2024 when Cross appeared in court again after being caught with a dangerous dog on February 14, 2024. He was found with a knuckleduster and pleaded guilty on March 12, 2024. As a result, he received an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to complete an additional 225 hours of unpaid work. Notably, the court did not specify whether Cross was prohibited from possessing any dog, whether dangerous or not, raising concerns about future risks.
This case has highlighted the ongoing issues of animal cruelty and the importance of vigilant community reporting and enforcement. Luna’s case serves as a stark reminder of the cruelty that some individuals are capable of and the necessity for strict penalties to prevent such abuse in the future.
Michael Cross, born on October 10, 1992, and residing at Osprey Court, and Paige Ryan, also known as Paige Cornwall, born on April 17, 2004, and living at Dunlin Court, were both involved in breeding bulldogs under the name Crossfire Bullz. Witnesses observed them keeping Luna confined in an outdoor pen, where she was subjected to violent beatings and emotional torment. Both individuals admitted in court to causing unnecessary suffering to the dog through their actions, which included physical assaults and emotional abuse.
The cruelty was vividly documented by witnesses and authorities. A witness recounted seeing Paige Ryan repeatedly thrash Luna with a stick, while Michael Cross was observed punching the dog in the face. These acts of violence were not isolated incidents but part of a pattern of abuse that shocked those who saw the footage and heard the testimonies.
On September 14, 2022, RSPCA inspector Christine McNeil began investigating allegations of mistreatment after receiving multiple pieces of footage from members of the public. The footage depicted Luna living in poor conditions, confined in a pen at the rear of a ground-floor flat on Porthkerry Road, Barry. The investigation revealed that the residents, including Cross and Ryan, had since moved from the property, complicating the case.
Inspector McNeil, who attended the property on December 14, 2022, with police, explained that she met with Cross and Ryan during her inquiry. She also encountered Luna’s new owner, who had taken the dog after her rescue. Despite her initial concerns, McNeil noted that Luna appeared to be in reasonable physical health, although she was visibly nervous and wary of being touched. The inspector observed that Luna would often lower her body and avoid eye contact, indicating her fear and trauma.
Further examination by a veterinarian confirmed Luna’s distressed state. The vet noted that Luna was uncomfortable in confined spaces and exhibited signs of fear, such as cowering and avoiding contact. The veterinarian’s report, based on the footage and witness statements, concluded that Luna had suffered unnecessarily due to the violent treatment she endured. The report detailed instances where Cross was seen punching Luna repeatedly and Ryan hitting her with a stick while she was confined in her enclosure.
According to the veterinary expert, these actions would have caused Luna pain, inflammation, and bruising, although no permanent injuries were observed. The expert emphasized that the repeated nature of the abuse and the negative reactions Luna displayed strongly indicated prolonged suffering. The report also highlighted that Luna’s reactions to being hit with a stick suggested she had developed a significant negative association with the object, further evidence of ongoing abuse.
Following the court proceedings, Inspector McNeil expressed her disappointment and outrage at the cruelty inflicted upon Luna. She thanked South Wales Police and the witnesses for their crucial support, acknowledging the trauma witnesses must have experienced in witnessing such abuse. The inspector emphasized that Luna’s suffering was entirely unacceptable and that justice needed to be served.
In sentencing, both Cross and Ryan received an 18-month community order. Cross was ordered to complete 225 hours of unpaid work, while Ryan was assigned 180 hours. Additionally, both were fined £250 each to cover costs. They were also disqualified from owning or keeping any animals for a period of five years, a ban that will last until December 2028.
It was also revealed that Cross and Ryan, who are still a couple, reside together at 28 Fryatt Street, Barry. The case took a further turn in March 2024 when Cross appeared in court again after being caught with a dangerous dog on February 14, 2024. He was found with a knuckleduster and pleaded guilty on March 12, 2024. As a result, he received an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to complete an additional 225 hours of unpaid work. Notably, the court did not specify whether Cross was prohibited from possessing any dog, whether dangerous or not, raising concerns about future risks.
This case has highlighted the ongoing issues of animal cruelty and the importance of vigilant community reporting and enforcement. Luna’s case serves as a stark reminder of the cruelty that some individuals are capable of and the necessity for strict penalties to prevent such abuse in the future.