A 23-year-old man from Birkenhead has been sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court after admitting offences linked to the death of a French bulldog left in his care.
Court hands suspended term, unpaid work and lifetime ban
Luke Walker, of Oxton Road, pleaded guilty to two counts under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and to a separate charge of criminal damage concerning the dog, known as Buddy. Judge imposed a 17-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, ordered 150 hours of unpaid work and mandated 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days. Walker was also prohibited from owning dogs for life.
Circumstances of the offence
Prosecutors told the court Buddy, a five-year-old French bulldog, had been placed in Walker’s care in June last year after concerns about the animal’s welfare while living elsewhere earlier in 2025. During the period he was responsible for the dog, witnesses and the prosecution say Buddy was repeatedly subjected to physical assaults and strangulation, culminating in a fatal attack on 10 September.
"When the defendant returned to his flat he found faeces and urine everywhere and so he beat Buddy and also attempted to suffocate him. He then left the dog on some cushions where he passed away."
The account above is taken from a statement by RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes, given to the court during the investigation. The defendant later told the inspector he had killed Buddy because the dog had defecated and urinated inside the flat.
Evidence seen after death
When Buddy’s owner visited Walker’s address on 11 September to be told the dog had died, she was reportedly told Walker did not know how he had died. Subsequent examination of the dog’s body and the flat produced further concerns: blood was found on bedding at Walker’s home, and the owner observed injuries to Buddy’s spine, ribs and limbs when she saw him two weeks after his last visit and following his death.
Local impact and enforcement
The case will be seen locally as a severe example of animal cruelty. The RSPCA continues to investigate and the Court’s lifetime dog ownership ban is designed to protect animals in the future. Sentencing also included rehabilitative elements intended to reduce the risk of reoffending.
- Defendant: Luke Walker, 23, Oxton Road, Birkenhead
- Victim: Buddy, five-year-old French bulldog
- Court: Liverpool Crown Court
| Sentence element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Prison term | 17 months (suspended for 18 months) |
| Unpaid work | 150 hours |
| Rehabilitation | 20 RAR days |
| Animal ownership | Banned from owning dogs for life |
Anyone with concerns about an animal’s welfare in the Wirral area should contact the RSPCA or local authorities. Incidents of suspected cruelty can be reported online or by telephone to ensure animals receive prompt attention.
This outcome follows police and RSPCA involvement and highlights continuing scrutiny of pet welfare on Merseyside. The custodial element of the sentence was suspended to allow for rehabilitation measures to be completed, while the lifelong ban aims to prevent similar future harm.
