A popular seal nicknamed Freddie Mercury – who took up residence and drew admiring fans along London’s Thames – was reportedly torn to death by a let loose dog owned by a leading city attorney.
Oxford-trained Rebecca Sabben-Clare, 49, and four passersby, including a veterinarian, attempted to pry the jaws of her crossbred dog from Freddie during Sunday’s brutal attack at Hammersmith Bridge, the sun reported.
A photographer who took pictures of Freddie when the attack took place said it was “mean.”
“The dog just wouldn’t let go,” Duncan Phillips, 55, told MyLondon. “It wouldn’t let go despite repeated attempts by members of the public to separate the animals.”
After trying to save Freddie’s life, veterinarians had to put him to sleep on Monday saying the “only ethical and fair option we have is to end his suffering” after he was left with a broken fin and an infected wound. , the Guardian said.
On Tuesday, police said they were investigating the death and wanted to speak to Sabben-Clare, who was later apparently told no violation had been committed, the Sun reported.
The woman, who studied at New College Oxford and now specializes in commercial law, was named a leading English side, according to the 2021 Legal 500 Directory – a term referring to an attorney attaining Queen Counsel status – in the 2021 Legal 500 Directory. Wall outlet.
“What happened to Freddie the seal is heartbreaking,” a spokesperson for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals told The Sun.
“Dog owners must act responsibly and keep their pets on a leash around wild animals to prevent such incidents from occurring. It is never okay to allow dogs to harass and attack a wild animal, ”said the representative.
“We understand how disturbing this incident was to everyone who witnessed it and we hope we can spread the message that encourages dog owners to keep their dog on a leash when there are animals around,” added the spokesperson.
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue described efforts to save Freddie’s life at South Essex Wildlife Hospital.
“Unfortunately, after an X-ray this afternoon, our worst fears were confirmed and the seal suffered not only a fracture but also dislocation, damage to his joint, ligaments and nerves that made it impossible to treat and return him to the wild, ”it said on Facebook.
“We contacted a number of marine mammal veterinarians in the UK and the Netherlands, including an orthopedic surgeon, and unfortunately, based on their experience, the decision was made that he should be euthanized for his well-being,” continued BDMLR.
“If amputation were an option, we would not be able to release a single-flipper seal back into the wild as we have a firm policy of not capturing animals and the seal’s welfare on the farm. must come first, ”he added. .
Since arriving on the Thames a few weeks ago, the beloved 10-month-old seal – named after the famous British singer in rock band Queen – had been a mainstay and had amassed legions of adoring fans.
He gained public attention in February when he was rescued from Teddington Lock after a fishing bait got stuck in his mouth.
Heartbroken Brits took to social media to voice their grief over Freddie’s demise.
“RIP #freddietheseal people who own dogs that attack humans / wildlife should not own pets all their lives, first a loved one in Richmond Park, now a poor seal in Hammersmith, when will it stop?” Josh Fraser said in a tweet.