The UK lawyer whose dog attacked the beloved seal Freddie Mercury – who then had to be euthanized due to his injuries – apologized for the tragedy and said he was “heartbroken” at his death.
Oxford-based business lawyer Rebecca Sabben-Clare told the Evening Standard that she wanted to “apologize without reservation” for the “terrible accident” in London on Sunday.
The cool high-flying eagle also said that he would have liked to have kept his dog on a leash.
The 10-month seal could not be saved after it was attacked by Sabben-Clare’s dog near the Hammersmith bridge on the Thames. It is not clear what breed of dog it is.
Horrible images captured Freddie being attacked as the woman and four passersby tried to tear the jaws of her dog out of the sea mammal, which suffered a broken bone, dislocated fin and joint, and damage to ligaments and nerves.
Freddie ended up being sacrificed, causing a wave of regret and condemnation directed 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 without reservation for what happened. In retrospect, I would, of course, like the dog to be on a leash, but at the time it didn’t seem necessary, ”she said.
“I am very grateful to everyone who helped on the spot. They were heroic. I left for my own safety and that of my dog, believing that there was nothing I could do to help, as the seal was being looked after by a veterinarian and help had been called. I offered my contact details to the vet before I left, ”added the woman in trouble.
Sabben-Clare – who lives in an $ 8 million home with her husband – said she sought out the authorities after leaving the horrific scene.
“At dawn yesterday I contacted the police to talk to them about the incident and was referred to the RSPCA,” she said.
“RSPCA interviewed me and confirmed that I was happy that no offense was committed. I tried to contact the police several times yesterday afternoon, in response to a statement from them that they wished to identify themselves and speak to me. They haven’t contacted us yet, ”continued Sabben-Clare.
“I made a donation to the Wildlife Hospital that took care of the seal. What a wonderful job this does, ”she added.
The law does not require dogs to be controlled in open spaces, but it is illegal for them to be “dangerously out of control” anywhere, according to the Standard, which cited possible penalties of up to six months in prison.
RSCPA said it can only investigate violations under the Animal Welfare Act, which involves cruelty to animals, reported The Sun.
“We are deeply saddened by what happened with Freddie and this highlights why it is important to keep dogs after wild animals,” said the animal welfare agency.
“Dog attacks on animals would become an offense to animal welfare if they were done deliberately. If no offense has been committed under the Animal Welfare Act, we cannot move the incidents forward, ”he said, adding that incidents involving uncontrolled dogs are being investigated by the police.
The Metropolitan Police said it would not launch an investigation into the tragedy.
“After the investigation, there will be no further criminal investigation or police action in relation to this matter. The owner of the dog has been informed, ”said The Sun newspaper.