KYLA MARTIN OF STOKE-ON-TRENT CONVICTED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY IN 2022

Serial offender Kyla Martin, born on 20 November 1990 and now residing at 11 Bycars Road, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 1BY, was convicted in 2022 for her continued animal cruelty. Her latest neglect involved an emaciated lurcher, named Poppy, suffering from multiple skin lesions and an agonizing abscess.

Martin, who previously received a three-year ban in 2017 for leaving a horse to perish in a water-logged field, eventually took three-year-old Poppy to the vet after the dog collapsed. She requested that the dog be euthanized. Poppy, a whippet-cross lurcher, was so underweight that a veterinarian assessed her body condition score at just one out of nine.

Martin, who shares two other dogs with her partner Andrew Dutton, told the vet she couldn’t afford a blood test and preferred Poppy to be put down. However, the dog was instead transferred to a rehoming center, where she has since recovered and is now in good health.

According to RSPCA prosecutor Jayne Skeates, Poppy was taken to Goldenhill Vets4Pets on January 12, 2022. The dog was found covered with painful skin lesions and a large abscess on her back.

Miss Skeates explained: "There were visible signs of multiple skin lesions and a large abscess on her back. The vet reported she was emaciated with a body condition score of just one out of nine. Her skin was fragile, with hair loss on her feet and tail, and evidence of tail biting."

She added: “The vet believed Poppy was suffering discomfort due to the abscess. The defendant appeared upset about her condition but stated she couldn’t afford further tests and preferred euthanasia. She signed the dog over to the veterinary clinic for continued care.”

Poppy was then examined by another veterinarian at a rehoming center. This assessment also recorded a body score of one out of nine, but noted she was bright and alert, with no signs of aggression. The vet observed poor muscle mass, skin lacerations, a missing top of her tail with exposed bone, and a large abscess near her spine.

The veterinarian concluded that Poppy was suffering from hunger, lack of protection, and inadequate veterinary care, but found no underlying health issues. It is believed she possibly ate the tip of her tail due to severe hunger. Since being in the care of Alsager Animals in Need, she has gained significant weight. Her tail was amputated, and her back wound was treated.

Martin claimed that Poppy’s weight loss began about a week before her vet visit, with the dog becoming bone-thin and biting her legs and tail. She also reported changing the dog’s diet and experiencing diarrhea. She had noticed the sore on her back two weeks earlier.

Kyla Martin’s neglect led to her dog’s recovery after proper treatment. Her sentencing included a 12-month community order involving unpaid work and rehabilitative activities. Additionally, she was banned from owning or keeping animals for three more years, with the ban set to expire in July 2025.

Following the rescue, Martin falsely told friends that Poppy had been euthanized due to cancer. One friend later shared a screenshot of a social media conversation confirming this lie.

Martin operates a nail business and lives with Andrew Dutton, born 1 March 1981. A Facebook user described Dutton as someone who "sits on his arse drinking and eating and threatening women." The couple has a young daughter named Crystal-Grace.