Wannabe lawyer’s antics could be a turn-off for law firms and chambers
A law student has rushed the main stage of world-famous dog show Crufts to raise awareness of animal welfare — but has he jeopardised a future career in law in the process?
Luke Steele, 25, who is currently studying law at the Open University, stormed onto the main floor at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham at the weekend as winners were being announced.
Steele, who was holding a placard that read “Mutts Against Crufts”, rushed towards the podium as dog handler Rebecca Cross was about to accept her award along with her Scottish Terrier named Knopa.
The wannabe lawyer was protesting the belief that many of the dogs in attendance have health problems due to unnatural characteristics developed through breeding techniques.
Shortly after unveiling his sign, Steele — who describes himself on Twitter as an “aspiring environmental and animal protection legal advocate” — was quickly tackled and carried away by six security staff.
Footage of the incident has since appeared on the People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals’ (PETA) website and YouTube channel — which describes the law student as a “gutsy activist”.
Steele, from Leeds, works closely with a number of animal welfare groups including “Ban Blood Sports on Ilkley Moore” (BBIM), which campaigns to ban grouse shooting in West Yorkshire.
Despite being released without charge, it’s not clear yet how Steele’s actions will be viewed by potential employers.
The video — which has already received more than 50,000 views in one day — is likely to put off many recruiters at the top firms. Others, might perhaps be more forgiving and see a young man showing passion for his intended area of future practice.
Either way it’s certainly going to be a talking point if he’s lucky enough to make it to interviews.