In harrowing video footage Sergeant Martin Dunn was captured repeatedly punching a terrified springer spaniel puppy on the head and body after losing his temper with him. The dog, Frank, cries out in pain as Sergeant Dunn screams abuse before laying into him.  Dunn has now been convicted of cruelty to animals and banned from keeping them for five years.

This man's behaviour is  both shocking and shameful and falls well short of the standard the public expects of its police officers. This should be exemplary and beyond reproach.

We understand Sergeant Dunn has yet to face disciplinary action by Greater Manchester Police as his employers. We would urge GMP to consider removing him from the force and at the very least from his position as a firearms officer. He clearly has anger management issues and is not fit to be in charge of a lethal weapon.

GMP also needs to send a clear message to the public that animal cruelty is taken seriously. It is not a trivial crime and many animal abusers will also hurt people. A zero-tolerance approach is a must and you can start by making an example of this cruel and violent officer.