PLYMOUTH COUPLE MARTYN PAYNE AND KIRSTY BURFORD SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY

Martyn Payne, born on March 2, 1990, and Kirsty Burford, born circa 1992, residents of Wantage Gardens, Stonehouse, Plymouth PL1 5DN, were convicted in 2025 of a severe animal cruelty case involving two nine-month-old puppies.

Prosecutors representing the RSPCA revealed that the couple abandoned the bull-breed puppies, named Trigger and Pablo, by locking them inside a bathroom without access to food or water, effectively leaving them to die.

RSPCA officers responding to the property in Millbridge, Stoke, Plymouth, reported that the bathroom door had been barricaded with various objects. The officers described the scene, stating, “The smell of rotting flesh was eye watering,” and further confirmed that the puppies’ bodies were discovered within the bathroom.

The prosecution explained that the dogs endured ‘a very high level of suffering’ due to hunger, dehydration, and lack of exercise, following ‘prolonged neglect and a deliberate disregard for the animals.’

Payne, who has prior convictions for heroin and crack cocaine dealing, and Burford both admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to the puppies between August 1, 2023, and October 17, 2023.

Regarding sentencing, Burford received a 20-week jail term, which was suspended for 12 months, along with a 12-month supervision order that includes up to 15 days of rehabilitation. She is also disqualified from owning dogs for up to 15 years, though she can appeal this restriction after 10 years.

Payne is awaiting his sentencing, which is scheduled to occur after his case is returned from the Crown Court to the magistrates' court.

This case was reported by PlymouthLive.