THOMAS CROSS FROM ROBERTSTOWN SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO BOXER DOGS IN COUNTY KILDARE

Thomas Cross, a resident of Robertstown in County Kildare, was found guilty of severe animal cruelty involving two boxer dogs that he owned. The case came to light after an inspection by an ISPCA Inspector in January 2017, who visited Cross's property at 13 Grove Heights in Robertstown. During this visit, the inspector discovered the two dogs in a state of extreme neglect, with their physical conditions indicating prolonged suffering and neglect.

Cross subsequently pleaded guilty in Naas District Court on Monday, November 5, 2018, to two counts of animal cruelty related to these dogs. The court proceedings revealed the disturbing details of the animals' conditions, which had been documented through photographs and veterinary examinations. The dogs, later named Ace and Artie, were found to be dangerously emaciated, with ribs and vertebrae prominently visible, a clear sign of severe malnutrition. Veterinary Surgeon Ann Neville described their condition as “near death,” emphasizing the gravity of their suffering.

One of the dogs exhibited lesions along its back and hind legs, with severely overgrown nails and a tail tip that had been damaged and was bleeding intermittently. The other dog showed signs of infection, including dark discharge and scabs on its ears, along with worn-down teeth and evidence of chronic gingivitis. These physical ailments underscored the neglect and poor care the animals had endured.

Conor Dowling, Chief Inspector of the ISPCA, expressed his outrage over the case, stating, “The conditions these dogs were kept in is simply shocking. There is no excuse, and failure to provide the basic level of care for these dogs was just not acceptable and will not be tolerated.” He further urged the public to remain vigilant and report any animal welfare concerns, providing the contact details for the National Animal Cruelty Helpline at 1890 515 515 and encouraging online reporting in confidence.

Thanks to the efforts of the ISPCA and veterinary intervention, Ace and Artie made a full recovery from their ordeal. The dogs were subsequently rehomed together and are now enjoying a much better quality of life in a loving home in Dundrum, County Dublin. Their story highlights the importance of animal welfare and the role of vigilant community members in preventing cruelty.

In sentencing, Thomas Cross received two consecutive four-month prison terms, totaling eight months. He was also fined €5,000, with a twelve-month period to settle the fine, and ordered to pay total costs amounting to €2,400. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting animal welfare and the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat such cruelty in Ireland.