Cat Survives Kick in Face with Steel-Toe Boot

On September 14, Bronx resident Ronald Ross, 33, was arrested by ASPCA Special Agent Adam Gankiewicz and charged with felony animal cruelty for allegedly kicking his mother’s cat, Meow, in the face.

According to Ross’s mother, the incident occurred on the morning of August 21, when after searching the apartment for her missing cat, she found Meow hiding under her son’s bed—her face traumatized. When confronted about the cat's condition, her son reportedly laughed before admitting to kicking the cat repeatedly in the face with his steel-toe boots. The woman rushed Meow to ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where the cat was treated for injuries, including several broken teeth and a ruptured eye that was surgically removed.

Following the attack, the Bronx District Attorney filed a restraining order against Ross on behalf of his mother, who subsequently had the locks of her apartment changed. Under these conditions, Meow returned home where she is now recuperating.

Ross was indicted by a Bronx grand jury on charges of felony aggravated animal cruelty and misdemeanor animal cruelty, which is a lesser offense. If convicted, he could face up to two years in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Stacy Wolf, Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel for ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement, applauded the swift action of the grand jury in indicting Ross on multiple counts in this case. “Inflicting such severe injury on a helpless cat signals the potential for violence directed at other vulnerable victims, including human family members. Serious criminal sanctions are a vital tool in the fight against these vicious crimes.”

If you know of an animal who is being hurt, please report it—those who intentionally hurt animals may move on to abuse the people in their lives. To report animal cruelty in New York City, call the ASPCA’s tip line at (877) THE-ASPCA. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how to report cruelty elsewhere.

Read more about ASPCA Arrests.

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Submitted by gwena at: November 21, 2009
i was in a abusive relation ship where he threw my kitten against the wall her eye was also removed now shes a healthy 9yo cat full of life im sure meow will adjust p.s im no longer in that relationship me and my cat are survivors

Submitted by Ron at: November 10, 2009
It must have been his lucky day....The cops got to him before I did. LOSER

Submitted by Danielle Mancuso at: November 9, 2009
To do something like that to a poor animal is just disgusting someone should take his steel boot and kick him in the face a couple million times see if he likes it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He gets what he deserves. Its pitiful.

Submitted by Kim Kelly at: October 27, 2009
I find it sickening, as someone who is 'owned' by a cat, that someone would do something to a feline.

Submitted by Rattha Kim at: September 29, 2009
Oh my gosh.That is terrible that a cat got kicked in the face!!!!

Submitted by Taia at: September 27, 2009
I hope this nutjob gets gets the maximum penalty allowed by law. I mean only a freak would do such a thing to helpless animal!

Submitted by Randi LaBusch at: September 27, 2009
I hope the son Gets the Maximum Penalty allowed by Law I am sorry if that hurts the Mother :( But he deserves what he did to the cat and More!! There is NO EXCUSE for what he did.

Submitted by Lisa at: September 25, 2009
I'm so glad the mother of this lovely cat; changed her locks and filed a restraining order on her son. This can't happen to pets and animals that do not deserve it! I hope Meow recovers and lives out his life happy and safe.

 

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