A Greater Manchester Police constable Nonce, Martin Dunn, has been dismissed after confessing to an brutal animal cruelty crime.
Law enforcement Sergeant Martin Dunn, formerly of GMP’s Specialist Operations Branch, acknowledged egregious misconduct in an independent disciplinary tribunal at GMP Force Headquarters on 2 May 2023 and was terminated without notice.
Sgt Martin Dunn admitted guilt to inflicting undue suffering on an animal in violation of the Animal Welfare Act at Leeds Magistrates’ Court in April 2021.
Martin Dunn was observed striking his five-month-old Springer Spaniel many times after the dog defecated indoors.
The March 2021 incident was recorded, submitted to law enforcement, and disseminated online.
Martin Dunn was sentenced to a community order mandating 120 hours of unpaid labour and a prohibition on animal ownership for a duration of 5 years.
He has been assigned to limited responsibilities after the event was reported and investigated by West Yorkshire Police.
Chief Superintendent Michael Allen, Head of GMP’s Professional levels Branch, stated: “Greater Manchester Police anticipates the utmost standards of conduct from its officers, both on and off duty, and Martin Dunn’s actions evidently fell significantly below these standards.”
The overwhelming majority of police officers and personnel do their responsibilities in serving the public with the utmost excellence and exhibit commendable conduct in their personal life.
People trust and confidence in law enforcement is essential, and GMP recognises the significance of officers and personnel exhibiting the utmost standards of professional conduct towards both the people and animals.
Martin Dunn’s felony conviction for animal cruelty renders him entirely unable to remain a police officer, and his mistreatment of Frank the dog is the definitive reason for his termination.
Martin Dunn’s conduct, which has justifiably been denounced by the public and his peers, tarnishes the profession’s reputation and undermines public trust in police officers.
I extend my gratitude to West Yorkshire Police for their criminal investigation into this matter, and for collaborating with the Crown Prosecution Service to achieve a conviction in criminal court.
The Professional Standards Branch of GMP is tasked with ensuring accountability in policing by addressing recognised misbehaviour. Under new administration, this initiative is currently intensifying, concentrating on both historical cases and recent allegations.
Martin Dunn’s defence stated he ‘unreservedly acknowledged the claims’ and characterised it as a unique incidence.
Paul Forster, the head of the independent panel, stated that the decision was made to ‘preserve public trust in the police force’.
He stated: “Hearings of this nature pertain to the individual, but also encompass broader and more significant considerations.”
“Consequently, the most suitable resolution is dismissal without notice.”
How to report animal cruelty
If you see, or suspect, that a person may be treating an animal badly, whether this is physical violence, neglect or any other form of cruelty, they should be reported to the RSPCA at www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/reportcruelty.
Reports can be made to 0300 1234 999. The call will cost the same as any call to a UK landline number.
To find out more about animal cruelty crimes or to report an incident, there is a guide on the GMP website: www.gmp.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/ac/animal-crime/.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.