GMP officer sacked for punching a puppy
He is banned from keeping animals for 5 years
Last updated 27th Nov 2023
A Greater Manchester Police officer has been sacked after punching his 5 month old Springer Spaniel puppy several times after it had defecated in the house.
Police Sergeant Martin Dunn, who worked in GMP's Specialist Operations Branch, admitted to gross misconduct at an independent disciplinary panel yesterday (2 May 2023) - where he was dismissed without notice.
He pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary harm to an animal contrary to the Animal Welfare Act at Leeds Magistrates' Court back in April 2021.
The incident took place in March 2021 and was, filmed, reported to police, as well as being shared online.
Dunn received a sentence that included a community order requiring 120 hours of unpaid work and a ban from keeping animals for five years.
Chief Superintendent Michael Allen, Head of GMP's Professional Standards Branch, said: "Greater Manchester Police expects the highest standards of conduct from its officers, both on and off duty, and Dunn's actions clearly fell far short of these standards.
"The vast majority of police officers and staff fulfil their duties in serving the public to the highest standard and demonstrate exemplary behaviour in their private lives.
“Public trust and confidence in the police is vital and GMP does not underestimate the importance of officers and staff demonstrating the highest standards of professional behaviour towards not only members of the public but also to animals.
“Having a criminal conviction for animal cruelty makes Dunn wholly unsuitable to continue serving as a police officer and his cruelty towards Frank the dog is ultimately why he has lost his job.
"Dunn’s actions, which have rightly been condemned by the public and his colleagues, bring the profession into disrepute and damage the confidence the public has in police officers.
“I would like to thank West Yorkshire Police, who investigated this case criminally, and, working with the Crown Prosecution Service, secured the conviction at criminal court.
“GMP’s Professional Standards Branch has a responsibility to hold policing to account, taking action where misconduct is identified, and under new management this work is now accelerating, focusing both on legacy cases and new reports.”