Man jailed for cruelty to horse

Press, 10 May 1979, Page 3

Man jailed for cruelty to horse

PA Auckland The actions of a horse dealer and breaker who slashed a horse, rubbed salt in its wounds, and mutilated its nostrils were described by Mr J. B. Bergin, S.M., yesterday as “extraordinarily brutal and sadistic.” Norman Balfour Crossan, aged 45, appeared for sentence on a charge of performing a wilful act of aggravated cruelty on the horse on December 14. He was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $71.50 witnesses’ expenses and $35 veterinary fees. The Magistrate said Crossan’s deliberate and extraordinarily sadistic and brutal actions might partly have been caused by an unwise consumption of alcohol. But the horse had been tied up and was incapable of escaping. He had grave doubts as to Crossan’s suitability in the training of animals. Counsel (Mr R. J. Beech) said Crossan adamantly denied a statement in his probation report that he had a violent disposition. He said Crossan had been involved with animals since he was 13. His actions had been completely out of character.