The British lawyer whose dog attacked beloved seal Freddie Mercury – who subsequently had to be killed because of his injuries – apologized for the tragedy, saying that his death left her “heartbroken”.
Oxford-trained trade attorney Rebecca Sabben-Clare told the Evening Standard that she wanted to apologize “without reservation” for the “terrible accident” in London on Sunday.
The high-flying legal eagle also said she wished she had kept her dog on a leash.
The 10-month-old seal could not be rescued after being mauled by Sabben-Clare’s dog at Hammersmith Bridge on the Thames. It is unclear what breed the dog is from.
Horrifying footage captured Freddie being attacked as the woman and four passers-by attempted to pry her dog’s jaws from the marine mammal, which sustained a broken bone, dislocated flipper and joint, as well as ligament and nerve damage.
Freddie was eventually euthanized, sparking a torrent of grief and condemnation aimed at the lawyer.
“I am heartbroken by this terrible accident,” Sabben-Clare told Standard.
“As an animal lover, I fully understand the dismay that has been expressed. I apologize unconditionally for what happened. In hindsight I would of course wish the dog had been on a leash, but that didn’t seem necessary at the time, ”she said.
“I am extremely grateful to everyone who helped on the spot. They were heroic. I left for my own safety and that of my dog, believing there was nothing I could do to help as the seal was being looked after by a vet and help was called in. I presented my contact details to the vet before I left, ”added the controversial woman.
Sabben-Clare – who lives in an $ 8 million house with her husband – said she contacted authorities after leaving the gruesome scene.
“Early yesterday morning I contacted the police to discuss the incident with them and was referred to the RSPCA,” she said.
“The RSPCA interviewed me and confirmed that they were happy that no violation had been committed. I made several attempts to contact the police yesterday afternoon, following a statement from them that they wanted to identify me and speak to me. They still haven’t had any contact, ”continued Sabben-Clare.
“I made a donation to the Wildlife Hospital that treated the seal. What a great job it does, ”she added.
The law does not require dogs to be leashed in open areas, but it is illegal for them to get “dangerously out of control” anywhere, according to the Standard, which cited possible sentences of up to six months in the slammer.
The RSCPA said it can only investigate violations under the Animal Welfare Act, which involves cruelty to animals, The Sun reported.
“We are deeply saddened by what happened to Freddie and this highlights why it is important to keep dogs on a leash around wild animals,” said the animal welfare organization.
“Dog attacks on animals would become an animal welfare crime if done intentionally. If no violations have been committed under the Animal Welfare Act, we cannot take incidents any further, ”he said, adding that incidents involving uncontrollable dogs are being investigated by the police.
The Met Police said they would not start an investigation into the tragedy.
“After the investigation, no further criminal investigation or action will be taken by the police on this matter. The owner of the dog has been notified, ”he said, The Sun reported.