MARTYN PAYNE AND KIRSTY BURFORD OF STONEHOUSE SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC DOG ABUSE IN PLYMOUTH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Stonehouse, Plymouth, Martyn Payne, born on March 2, 1990, and Kirsty Burford, born around 1992, faced justice for their involvement in a heinous act of animal cruelty. The incident took place at their residence on Wantage Gardens, where they deliberately confined two nine-month-old puppies, named Trigger and Pablo, inside a bathroom and left them to perish in conditions of extreme neglect.

According to prosecutors representing the RSPCA, the couple intentionally left the puppies alone in the bathroom, which was found to be barricaded with various objects blocking the door. The puppies, both of bull-breed lineage, were deprived of essential sustenance and hydration during their confinement. The RSPCA officers who responded to the scene at the property in Millbridge, Stoke, Plymouth, reported a nauseating stench of rotting flesh emanating from the bathroom. Upon investigation, the officers discovered the bodies of the two dogs, which had succumbed to their suffering.

The court was informed that the dogs endured a prolonged period of intense suffering, suffering from hunger, dehydration, and a lack of exercise. The prosecution described the situation as a clear case of deliberate neglect and a blatant disregard for the welfare of the animals. The evidence presented indicated that Payne, who has a criminal history as a heroin and crack cocaine dealer, and Burford, both admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to the puppies between August 1, 2023, and October 17, 2023.

In sentencing, Kirsty Burford received a 20-week jail term, which was suspended for 12 months. She was also placed under a 12-month supervision order, with an additional requirement of up to 15 days of rehabilitation. Furthermore, Burford was disqualified from owning dogs for up to 15 years, with the possibility of appealing this ban after 10 years. The case against Martyn Payne is still pending, as his sentencing is scheduled to follow after his case was transferred from the Crown Court back to the magistrates' court for further proceedings.