KIRSTY BURFORD AND PAWLISH COURT CASE: PLYMOUTH ANIMAL NEGLECT INCIDENT
| Red Rose Database
Plymouth Animal Abuser
A heartless couple was found to have left two nine-month-old puppies to die of starvation in a barricaded bathroom. Plymouth Crown Court learned that Martin Payne, aged 34, and Kirsty Burford, aged 32, of Wantage Gardens, Plymouth, admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to the dogs between August 1, 2023, and October 17, 2023.
RSPCA investigators described the scene as extremely distressing. Officers reported smelling "rotting flesh" upon their arrival, before discovering the two deceased dogs—Trigger and Pablo—both male bull breeds—trapped inside a bathroom with the door blocked by various items. The court heard that the dogs endured a 'very high level of suffering' as they were left hungry, dehydrated, and neglected over an extended period, demonstrating a blatant disregard for their welfare. The bodies, found inside the bathroom, confirmed the neglect.
Burford had previously faced a suspended 20-week jail sentence for similar offenses and was subject to supervisory and rehabilitative conditions, including a 15-year disqualification from owning dogs. This ban could be reduced to 10 years. The judge described the case as a 'completely impossible position' and remitted Payne's sentence back to the magistrates' court, where he had already been sentenced.
This case highlights the severity of the cruelty inflicted and the court’s strong condemnation of the offenders’ actions.
RSPCA investigators described the scene as extremely distressing. Officers reported smelling "rotting flesh" upon their arrival, before discovering the two deceased dogs—Trigger and Pablo—both male bull breeds—trapped inside a bathroom with the door blocked by various items. The court heard that the dogs endured a 'very high level of suffering' as they were left hungry, dehydrated, and neglected over an extended period, demonstrating a blatant disregard for their welfare. The bodies, found inside the bathroom, confirmed the neglect.
Burford had previously faced a suspended 20-week jail sentence for similar offenses and was subject to supervisory and rehabilitative conditions, including a 15-year disqualification from owning dogs. This ban could be reduced to 10 years. The judge described the case as a 'completely impossible position' and remitted Payne's sentence back to the magistrates' court, where he had already been sentenced.
This case highlights the severity of the cruelty inflicted and the court’s strong condemnation of the offenders’ actions.