A popular seal nicknamed Freddie Mercury – who established his residence and attracted worshipers along the Thames in London – was allegedly killed by a raging dog owned by a top lawyer in the city.
Oxford-educated Rebecca Sabben-Clare, 49, and four passers-by, including a veterinarian, tried to remove her dog’s jaws from Freddie during the harsh attack near Hammersmith Bridge on Sunday, Sun reported .
A photographer who was taking pictures with Freddie when the attack took place said he was “vicious”.
“The dog just wouldn’t let go,” Duncan Phillips, 55, told MyLondon. “He would not let go despite repeated attempts by members of the public to separate the animals.”
After trying to save Freddie’s life, veterinarians had to take him down on Monday, saying that “the only ethical and correct option we have is to end his suffering,” after he was left with a fractured pinball machine. and with an infected wound, according to The Guardian.
On Tuesday, police said they were investigating the death and sought to discuss it with Sabben-Clare, who was later told no crime had been committed, Sun reported.
The woman, who studied at New College Oxford and is now a specialist in commercial law, has been named a top English silk – a term referring to a lawyer who obtains that status as the queen’s adviser – in Legal Directory 500 2021 of 2021 , according to the outlet.
“What happened to Freddie’s seal is heartbreaking,” a spokesman for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals told the Sun.
“Dog owners should act responsibly and keep their pets on the ropes around wild animals to ensure that such events are prevented. It is never okay to allow dogs to harass and attack a wild animal, ”said the representative.
“We understand how annoying this incident was for anyone who witnessed it and we hope we can spread the message by encouraging dog owners to keep their dog on lead if there are wild animals,” the spokesman added.
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 not only suffered a broken bone, but also a dislocation, injuries to the joint, ligaments and nerves that made it impossible. treating and bringing him back to the wild, ”it was said on Facebook.
“We have 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 is that he needs to be euthanized for his well-being,” BDMLR continued.
“We could not release a seal back into the wild with a single pinball machine, if amputation were an option, because we have a firm policy not to put animals in captivity, and the welfare of the seal must come first,” she added. .
Since arriving in the Thames a few weeks ago, the beloved 10-month-old seal – named after the famous British rock singer Queen – had been a mainstay, gathering legions of worshipers.
He gained public attention in February, when he was rescued from Teddington Lock after a fishing lure got stuck in his mouth.
The British with their mouths shut went on social media to express their grief over Freddie’s death.
“RIP #freddietheseal should dog owners who attack people / wildlife be banned from keeping pets for life, first a loved one in Richmond Park, now a poor seal in Hammersmith, when will it stop?” Josh Fraser said in a tweet.