Luke Walker, 23, walked free from Liverpool Crown Court after admitting to killing a French bulldog named Buddy. He was sentenced on Thursday, July 16, 2026, to 17 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and must complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation days.
Details of the Attack
The court heard that Walker had been entrusted with caring for Buddy by a friend. On September 8, 2025, after a row with his father, Walker returned to his Wirral flat to find the dog had urinated and defecated across the floor. In a fury, he repeatedly punched and kicked the dog, fracturing its bones, and attempted to suffocate it with a pillow.
Walker initially told the owner that Buddy had died in his sleep, but later admitted to the assault. He confessed to beating the dog on two previous occasions for fouling in the living room.
Court Proceedings
Prosecutor Peter Mitchell told Liverpool Crown Court that Buddy had been adopted by a friend after being abused by a previous owner. On September 8, Walker called the owner claiming Buddy had died at 3am. When she visited, she smelled rotting and bleach, and saw dried blood near the kitchen sink. Buddy's body was found on a pillow in a dog cage with wet blood around its mouth.
RSPCA evidence presented to a specialist veterinary surgeon confirmed Buddy had sustained a "non-accidental injury" and would have experienced pain for several days after each earlier assault.
Defense and Sentencing
Walker, represented by Andrew McInnes, had no previous convictions. He had experienced mental health difficulties, self-harm, and depression, and had recently been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). An NHS evaluation concluded his responsibility was influenced by his mental health conditions.
Recorder Nicola Daley said: "You are someone who struggles with their temper, so you act impulsive making the wrong decisions when you are angry." She noted the case was "of higher culpability because there was prolonged and repeated incidents of serious cruelty and death resulted from the use of very serious force."
However, she acknowledged Walker's remorse and the availability of rehabilitation, handing him a suspended sentence. He was also subject to a 12-month mental health treatment requirement and banned from keeping, owning, or caring for any dog until further order. Walker mouthed "thank you" to the judge upon learning he was free to leave.
