Luke Walker, 23, walked free from Liverpool Crown Court after admitting to killing a French bulldog named Buddy by punching, kicking, and attempting to suffocate him. The attack occurred after Walker returned home from an argument with his father and found the dog had urinated and defecated on the floor.
Background of the case
Buddy had been adopted by a friend of Walker's after being abused by a previous owner. Due to family circumstances, the friend asked Walker to temporarily care for the dog around June last year. On September 8, Walker called the owner to say Buddy had died, initially claiming he did not know how it happened.
When the owner arrived at Walker's flat in Wirral, she noticed a rotting smell, the odor of bleach, and dried blood around the kitchen sink. Buddy's body was lying on a pillow in a dog cage with wet blood in his mouth. The dog's appearance was abnormal, with a ridge poking out of his back and apparent broken ribs and legs.
Confession and details of the attack
Walker later confessed to repeatedly punching and suffocating the dog. He told a friend: "Buddy wasn't listening to me. He was p***ing and s****ing all over my living room, so I hit him in the ribs repeatedly then suffocated him." He also admitted beating the dog twice previously for similar reasons.
The RSPCA presented evidence from an expert veterinary surgeon who concluded Buddy had suffered a "non-accidental injury" and would have been in pain for several days after each previous attack.
Sentencing and judge's remarks
Walker pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and criminal damage. He had no previous convictions. The court heard he had struggled with mental health issues, including self-harm and depression, and had recently been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and ADHD.
Recorder Nicola Daley sentenced Walker to 17 months' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, along with 150 hours of unpaid work, 20 rehabilitation days, and a 12-month mental health treatment requirement. He was also disqualified from keeping, owning, or caring for any dog until further order.
The judge told Walker: "You are someone who struggles with your temper, so you act impulsively making the wrong decisions when you are angry." Walker mouthed "thank you" after being told he was free to go.
