DUDLEY PAYNE FROM PENWORTHAM FOUND GUILTY OF CRUELTY AFTER HORRIFIC ABUSE IN PRESTON

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Dudley Payne, a 29-year-old resident of Penwortham, Preston, has been convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a young puppy through brutal and inhumane acts. The conviction follows a four-day trial held at Preston Crown Court, where the jury found Payne guilty of animal cruelty related to the severe injuries inflicted upon the puppy, named Rocko.

Rocko, an 11-week-old American bully breed, was purchased by Payne from a breeder just six days before his tragic death. The puppy's brief life was marred by horrific injuries, including cigarette burns to his groin area, a ruptured liver, head trauma, a partial fracture of the hip, and multiple abrasions that appeared to be caused by fingernails. The injuries were so severe that they led to the puppy’s death just six days after he was bought. The postmortem examination revealed additional injuries, such as lacerations to the liver and injuries consistent with being scratched, as well as evidence that Rocko had inhaled the contents of his stomach, indicating internal trauma.

Following the verdict, Dudley Payne was remanded into custody. The presiding judge described the case, which involved the puppy being “tortured to death,” as “extremely troubling,” emphasizing the severity of the cruelty inflicted upon the defenseless animal.

During the trial, the court heard that the RSPCA was alerted by a veterinarian after Rocko was brought in dead on February 2 of the previous year. The veterinarian’s postmortem report detailed numerous injuries that could not have been accidental, including cigarette burns and head trauma, with the most shocking finding being the prolapsed eyeball, which indicated severe trauma.

It was revealed that just three days prior to his death, Rocko had been taken to the vet for vaccinations and was reported to be bright, alert, and responsive at that time. This stark contrast between his condition then and his injuries at death underscored the brutality of the abuse he suffered.

In a statement read aloud in court, RSPCA inspector Emma Dingley described the distressing findings: “The vet received the postmortem results back and immediately contacted the RSPCA. He told me on the phone it was the worst postmortem examination report he had ever read.”

Inspector Dingley also recounted that she contacted Dudley Payne, who confirmed that he had owned Rocko for only six days and that he had purchased him from a breeder. When questioned during an interview, Payne refused to answer any questions, replying with “no comment” to all inquiries.

A veterinarian who testified during the trial stated that the injuries sustained by Rocko strongly suggested “intentional harm.” The evidence presented painted a clear picture of deliberate cruelty, with injuries that could not have been accidental or caused by neglect.

Payne, whose address is listed as Braintree Avenue, Penwortham, Preston, is scheduled to be sentenced on October 20. The case has left a lasting impact on the community and highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and action against animal cruelty.