The owner of the dog that fatally mauled Freddie the seal in west London has expressed her remorse, calling the incident a 'terrible accident'. Rebecca Sabben-Clare QC, a commercial barrister, told the Evening Standard she was 'heartbroken' that the beloved seal pup had to be put down due to the severity of its injuries.
The 10-month-old seal was basking on the Thames towpath near Hammersmith Bridge on Sunday when Sabben-Clare's unleashed dog attacked. Four passers-by, including a vet, attempted to free the seal from the dog's grip. Freddie was taken to the South Essex wildlife hospital in Tilbury, where vets treated a broken bone, dislocated flipper, and damage to joints, ligaments and nerves, but the injuries proved too severe and he was euthanised.
Eyewitness Duncan Phillips described the two-minute attack as 'vicious', stating the dog 'clamped on' and would not let go. The incident has sparked calls for dog owners to keep pets on leads in public areas, particularly near wildlife.
Sabben-Clare, 49, apologised unreservedly, saying: 'In hindsight I wish, of course, that the dog had been on a lead but at the time that did not seem necessary.' She left the scene after offering her contact details to the vet, citing concerns for her safety and that of her dog. She has since been interviewed by the RSPCA and contacted the police, who confirmed no further criminal action would be taken. She also made a donation to the wildlife hospital that treated Freddie.
