Brighton Dog Walker Pleads Guilty to Harrowing Abuse of Spaniel in His Care
In a shocking incident that has stirred widespread condemnation, a Brighton-based dog walker, Luke Cobb, has confessed to a harrowing act of cruelty against a spaniel named Stanley. The distressing episode, captured on security footage, shows Cobb in a moment of unfathomable rage, forcefully slamming the dog against a brick wall.
The 38-year-old proprietor of Harvey’s Walks dog walking service entered a guilty plea to a charge of animal cruelty in court today, facing the possibility of a year behind bars for his actions.
Megan Attree, the prosecutor, detailed the events leading to Cobb’s arrest, starting with the circulation of the disturbing video on social media. The footage revealed a visibly frightened Stanley trying to evade Cobb, who then aggressively picked up the dog by its neck and proceeded to bash its head against a wall multiple times without any provocation, as reported by “Daily Mail“.
Following the incident, Cobb’s partner hastily informed Stanley’s owner, Michael Gibbs, urging him to collect his pet due to Cobb’s alleged ill health. Subsequently, Cobb issued a public apology on social media, attempting to justify his actions by claiming the dog had attempted to bite him after running away, acknowledging, however, that there was no excuse for his violent outburst.
A veterinary examination revealed Stanley’s pain and discomfort, particularly when his collar was removed, indicating the severity of the trauma he endured. Additional statements from other pet owners highlighted behavioral changes in their dogs after being under Cobb’s care, further attesting to the gravity of the situation.
The prosecutor emphasized the case’s seriousness, pointing out the sadistic nature of the attack, the significant force used, and the profound betrayal of trust by Cobb, who was entrusted with the care of pets.
Mark Charnley, defending, portrayed the incident as a regrettable lapse in judgment, stating that Cobb has been forthcoming with his guilt and has suffered considerable personal and professional fallout as a result. According to Charnley, Cobb’s business is now defunct, and he is grappling with the lasting impact of his actions, compounded by public backlash.
The court has deferred sentencing until May 31, with the chair of the bench, Alison Musker, recommending that the sentencing panel view the video evidence to fully comprehend the brutality of the act. In the interim, a pre-sentence report has been ordered to further assess the circumstances and appropriate sentencing for Cobb’s “moment of madness.