Cork couple wrap up Christmas coats for unwanted dogs

A big-hearted Cork couple are playing real-life Santa to thousands of unwanted dogs this Christmas by giving them free coats to keep them warm over the winter.

Tony and Alice Cross, who are behind the successful Maxi Zoo pet store chain, will kit out more than 2,000 dogs in the care of 15 charities with a free coat to keep them warm over the coming months.

The couple, who operate 15 pet stores nationwide, plan to give away approximately €160,000 of stock in an effort to ensure that as many animals as possible are protected from the wet and chilly weather.