The UK lawyer whose dog attacked the beloved Freddie Mercury seal – who later had to be shot down due to injuries – has apologized for the tragedy and said she was “heartbroken” by his death.
Oxford-based commercial lawyer Rebecca Sabben-Clare told the Evening Standard she wanted to “apologize unreservedly” for the “terrible accident” in London on Sunday.
The high-flying legal eagle also said it wished it had kept its leg tied.
The ten-month seal could not be saved after Sabben-Clare’s dog killed him near the Hammersmith Bridge on the Thames. It is not clear what breed the dog is.
Horrible images captured Freddie being attacked when the woman and four passers-by tried to pull her dog’s jaws off the marine mammal, which was suffering from a broken bone, dislocated fin and joint, as well as damage to ligaments and nerves.
Freddie was eventually euthanized, leading to an outpouring of mourning and sentencing directed at the lawyer.
“I’m heartbroken by this terrible accident,” Sabben-Clare told Norma.
“As an animal lover, I fully understand the dismay that has been expressed. I apologize unreservedly for what happened. In retrospect, I would have liked, of course, the dog to have been headed but at the time it didn’t seem necessary, ”he said.
“I am very grateful to everyone who helped the site. They were heroics. I left for my safety and that of my dog, believing I could do nothing to help, as a vet was taking care of the seal and I was asked for help. I offered my contact details to the vet before I left, “the woman confronted.
Sabben-Clare, who lives in a $ 8 million home with her husband, said she had contacted authorities after leaving the horrific scene.
“Early in the morning I contacted the police to talk to them about the incident and they directed me to the RSPCA,” he said.
“The RSPCA interviewed me and confirmed that they were happy that no crime had been committed. I tried to contact the police several times yesterday afternoon, in response to a statement from them that they wanted to identify me and talk to me. They haven’t been in contact yet, “Sabben-Clare continued.
“I made a donation to the Hospital de Vida Silvestre that treated the seal. What a wonderful job he does, ”he added.
The law does not require dogs to be tied up 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 the slammer.
The RSCPA said it can only investigate crimes under the animal welfare law, 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 wired dogs around wild animals,” the animal welfare agency said.
“Dog attacks on animals would become a crime for animal welfare if done deliberately. If no crime has been committed under the Animal Welfare Act, we will not be able to continue with the incidents, ”he added, adding that incidents related to dogs out of control are being investigated by police.
Met police said they would not initiate an investigation into the tragedy.
“Following the investigation, there will be no further criminal investigation or action taken by the police in connection with this matter. The dog’s owner has been informed,” he said, according to The Sun.