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A Birkenhead man has been banned by the RSPCA for keeping dogs for the rest of his life after admitting animal welfare offences following the death of a French bulldog in his care.
As reported by Birkenhead News, Luke Walker, of Oxton Road, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. He also admitted a charge of criminal damage connected to the dog.
Walker was sentenced to 17 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He must also complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days, alongside the lifetime ban on keeping dogs.
The court heard the harrowing tale. Walker had been caring for Buddy, a five-year-old French bulldog, temporarily, entrusted by his owner. Heartbreakingly, prosecutors said Buddy was repeatedly assaulted while in the man's care. Tragically, Buddy died on 10 September 2025 after a final attack.
The case emerged after RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes attended Walker's home on 12 January this year while making enquiries into an unrelated matter. During the visit, Walker admitted attacking Buddy after becoming angry that the dog had urinated and defecated inside the flat. He told the inspector the assaults had taken place over a period of several weeks. He also admitted to killing the dog months before.
In evidence presented to the court, Inspector Joynes said Walker returned home to find the property soiled before attacking the dog, who later died from the injuries he sustained.
The hearing was told Buddy had previously received veterinary treatment in May 2025 while living elsewhere. His owner later resumed caring for him before temporarily placing him with Walker in June.
On 11 September, Walker contacted Buddy's owner to report that the dog had died, saying he did not know the cause. Investigators later found bloodstains on bedding inside the flat.
Buddy's owner told the court the dog appeared healthy when she last saw him around two weeks earlier. After his death, she noticed multiple injuries and took Buddy to a veterinary practice in Birkenhead. He also said he had punched the dog in the ribs and suffocated him.
During an interview under caution, Walker said his mental health had worsened and admitted he had started hitting the dog after it repeatedly soiled the flat. He also accepted attacking Buddy on the day he died after an argument with his father left him angry.
A veterinary expert concluded Buddy had experienced unnecessary suffering over the months he was in Walker's care from June to September 2025 and that the injuries sustained in the final assault caused his death. The expert also said Walker failed to seek veterinary treatment despite knowing the dog had been seriously injured.
The court heard Walker had experienced problems controlling his anger but had not sought professional help.
Following the sentencing, RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes said: "This was a truly appalling set of circumstances where this poor dog was placed in the care of this defendant who was clearly unsuited to provide a loving home for Buddy."
He continued, “He took out his anger on the dog because he said he’d had an argument with his father. Buddy suffered a terrible death at the hands of an angry, violent man.”
