Two Men Arrested in Connection with Animal Abuse/Neglect 06-17-2013

          JUNE 17, 2013.

PRESS RELEASE

ParkerCounty Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division is investigating an animal cruelty case of a pony.

Sheriff’s Animal Control Division received a call Thursday, June 13, 2013, around 2 p.m., pertaining to the welfare of a Shetland pony in the 3000 block of East Highway 199 in Springtown.

Animal Control officers arrived and found the pony suffering in a declining health state. The pony was extremely malnourished and severely underweight to the point its rib and hip bones were visibly protruding. The Shetland was also suffering from a large, open, infected wound on its genitals with a rancid smell apparently coming from the infection. Sheriff’s Animal Control Officers reported there was no hay or food near the pony and the only water supply was dirty containing leaves, debris and insects along with mosquitoes and larvae swarming the water. Officers reported the pony was standing still in a manner reflecting a high level of pain when he attempted to walk. Its hooves were overgrown and split from obvious neglect. Animal Control officers also reported when the pony was presented with a fresh water supply, it drank very fast due to obvious dehydration.

The owner of the pony was not on the premises. Animal Control officers immediately seized the pony which was taken to a local veterinarian for treatment. The owner of the pony, identified as Jesse Ray Cross, 45; and the pony’s caretaker, identified as Franky Lynn Hatcher-Cross, 42, were both arrested Saturday on warrants for cruelty to livestock animals. Both men posted bond of $2,500 each on Sunday.

Veterinarian staff reported the Shetland’s wound was feared to be inoperable due to current extent of the injury and may not survive the surgery under its current health state. If the pony responds to treatment veterinarian staff relayed it may be a candidate for surgery.

ParkerCounty Sheriff Larry Fowler said he is disgusted at the extreme poor condition the Shetland was discovered in and that two men who were responsible for its care were obviously neglecting the pony.

Sheriff Fowler vowed to care for the animal and pay for its treatment, renaming the Shetland Achilles.

“We prayerfully hope Achilles will conquer his odds can be brought back to perfect health so he can undergo the surgery he so desperately needs,” Fowler said. “This is a shameful crime which could have been completely prevented had Achilles been given the required minimal care and basic necessities. We can not stress enough the importance of providing fresh water with adequate food and shelter for all animals. This case is a shame.”