The British lawyer whose dog attacked his beloved seal Freddie Mercury – who then had to be taken down due to his injuries – apologized for the tragedy and said he was “heartbroken” by his death.
Oxford commercial lawyer Rebecca Sabben-Clare told Evening Standard that she wanted to “unreservedly apologize” for the “terrible accident” in London on Sunday.
The legal high-flying eagle also said that he wished he had kept his purse on a leash.
The 10-month-old seal could not be saved after being abducted by Sabben-Clare’s dog near the Hammersmith Bridge on the Thames. It is not clear what breed the dog is.
Terrible images caught Freddie being attacked while the woman and the four passers-by tried to remove the dog’s jaws from the marine mammal, which suffered a broken bone, dislocated pinball and joint, as well as ligament and nerve injuries.
Freddie was eventually euthanized, causing an outpouring of pain and a conviction for the lawyer.
“My heart aches at this terrible accident,” Sabben-Clare told Standard.
“As an animal lover, I fully understand the dismay that has been expressed. I unreservedly apologize for what happened. In retrospect, of course, I wish the dog had been in the lead, but at the time I didn’t think it was necessary, “she said.
“I am extremely grateful to all those who helped on the spot. They were heroic. I left for the safety of myself and my dog, believing that there was nothing I could do to help, as the seal was taken care of by a veterinarian and help was requested. I offered my contact details to the vet before leaving “, added the confronted woman.
Sabben-Clare – who lives in an $ 8 million house with her husband – said she contacted authorities after leaving the scene.
“I contacted the police early yesterday morning to tell them about the incident and I was directed to the RSPCA,” she said.
“RSPCA interviewed me and confirmed that they are happy that no crime has been committed. I tried to contact the police again and again yesterday afternoon in response to a statement from them that they wanted to identify me and talk to me. They have not been in contact yet, “Sabben-Clare continued.
“I made a donation to the Wildlife Hospital that treated the seal. What a wonderful job he is doing, “she added.
The law does not require dogs to be left indoors, but it is illegal for them to be “dangerously out of control” anywhere, according to the Standard, which cited possible sanctions of up to six months in the event of a slammer.
The RSCPA said it could only investigate offenses under the Animal Welfare Act, which involved cruelty to animals, The Sun reported.
“We are deeply saddened by what happened to Freddie and this underscores why it is important to keep dogs on wires around wild animals,” the animal welfare agency said.
“Dog attacks on animals would become a crime for animal welfare if done deliberately. If no offenses have been committed under the Animal Welfare Act, we will not be able to carry out further incidents, “he added, adding that incidents involving dogs that are not under control are being investigated by police.
Met police said they would not launch an investigation into the tragedy.
“Following the investigation, there will be no further criminal investigations or measures taken by the police in connection with this matter. The dog’s owner has been informed, “he said.