The renewed report in the dog crate case involves investigations into abuse of office against two employees of the Waidhofen an der Thaya district administration. The report was sent to the Vienna public prosecutor's office, as agency spokesman Franz Hütter announced. Details of the content were not disclosed.

Investigations Against Two District Administration Employees in Dog Crate Case

The accused are the two social workers assigned to the case - a man and a woman. A report on the matter had already been filed last year. This was returned to Krems via the public prosecutor's office and the Ministry of Justice, and at that time, no information on the content was provided. The two accused were questioned as witnesses at the Krems regional court at the end of February 2024 during the jury trial. Following two danger reports, the child and youth welfare service conducted unannounced home visits to the mother and son on October 28 and November 18, 2022 (four days before the boy fell into a coma). Initially, both social workers were on site, but at the second appointment, the leading employee of the Waidhofen a. d. Thaya district administration reportedly appeared alone. Although he identified irregularities, he did not see any reason for an emergency intervention.

Dog Crate Case Also Involves Civil Court Level

In addition to the criminal aspect, the case also involves the civil court level. Victim's lawyer Timo Ruisinger filed a lawsuit against the state of Lower Austria at the Krems regional court in November of the previous year. The total amount in dispute is 180,000 euros, with 150,000 euros for pain and suffering and 30,000 euros for declaratory interest for future damages. The allegations were rejected by the state in a statement of defense. A procedural clarification is likely to follow.

The original case itself attracted attention beyond the state borders. The now 34-year-old mother is said to have beaten, tied up, gagged, and repeatedly locked her son in a dog crate for hours. On November 22, 2022, the child was in a life-threatening condition. The then twelve-year-old survived due to the intervention of a social worker who was known to the family through counseling. An alleged accomplice of the mother was a former friend of the woman from the Waldviertel region.

The 34-year-old was sentenced to 20 years in prison in the jury trial at the end of February 2024 for attempted murder, torture or neglect of minors, younger or defenseless persons, and deprivation of liberty. Her former friend received a 14-year sentence for continued violence as an accessory or instigator. In both cases, placement in a forensic therapeutic center was also ordered. The verdicts are now final.

(APA/Red)

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