A mandatory fatal accident inquiry has been formally initiated to examine the tragic death of a kennel owner who was fatally attacked by a dog while working at his business premises. The inquiry will scrutinise critical safety protocols and information-sharing practices concerning dangerous dogs in temporary boarding facilities.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Adam Watts, aged 55, the proprietor and operator of Juniper Kennels and Cattery located in Auchterhouse, near Dundee, lost his life on December 22, 2021. The fatal incident involved a large bulldog at the kennels, resulting in Mr Watts' death during the course of his employment duties.
Legal Proceedings and Inquiry Focus
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service confirmed on Friday that it has lodged the first official notice to commence court proceedings for the fatal accident inquiry. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for June 8 at Forfar Sheriff Court to initiate the formal legal process.
Debbie Carroll, representing COPFS, emphasised the mandatory nature of this inquiry, stating: "The death of Adam Watts occurred while in the course of his employment and as such a fatal accident inquiry is mandatory. The lodging of the first notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the sheriff."
She further assured that "Mr Watts's family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress."
Key Areas of Investigation
The inquiry will concentrate on two primary areas of concern:
- The management and handling protocols for potentially dangerous dogs within temporary kennel environments
- The systems and procedures through which Police Scotland shares relevant information about dogs' behavioural histories and risk assessments with kennel owners and operators
Remembering Adam Watts
Adam Watts was remembered by colleagues in the dog training community as a dedicated professional who went beyond mere business operations. SuperSmart Dog Training and Behaviour, an Edinburgh-based training organisation, paid tribute to his legacy, noting that "He was not just a kennel owner. He saved many dogs which he felt needed saved and would campaign for dogs' welfare."
The tribute continued: "All that met him found a caring, loving man who lived for his five boys and dogs. Since his wife died, this was his life who put his heart and soul into saving dogs."
Mr Watts, a father of five sons, had experienced previous personal tragedy, having lost his wife to cancer in 2013. The dog training community expressed profound sorrow, with one representative stating: "I'm gutted, as this is not what any dog-loving person would want to hear. Tragic death. He will be missed by all. Adam, there are many of us in the dog world heartbroken and you will never be forgotten."
Purpose of Fatal Accident Inquiries
It is important to note that fatal accident inquiries in Scotland serve a specific purpose within the legal framework. These proceedings do not seek to attribute criminal blame or civil liability to any individual or organisation involved. Instead, their fundamental objective is to establish the factual circumstances surrounding how a death occurred during employment or in custody.
Furthermore, FAIs aim to identify potential safety improvements, precautionary measures, and procedural changes that could be implemented to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The inquiry into Adam Watts' death will therefore focus on creating meaningful recommendations for enhanced safety standards within the kennel industry and improved inter-agency communication regarding dangerous animals.
The forthcoming legal proceedings represent a significant step toward understanding the systemic factors that contributed to this workplace fatality, with the ultimate goal of improving safety protocols for all kennel workers and operators across Scotland.
