Dog walkers warned about leashes after seal nicknamed Freddie Mercury is put down
By Sian Bayley, Local Democracy Reporter
Dog walkers have been reminded that they should keep dogs on leads at all times when near seals and other marine wildlife by the River Thames in London.
It comes after a seal, nicknamed Freddie Mercury, was sadly put down by vets this week after a dog attack left him with severe wounds.
The Metropolitan Police have since confirmed they are looking to speak to the dog’s owner about the incident.
The popular young seal had recently taken to sunbathing on the riverbank in Barnes, near Hammersmith Bridge.
Previously he had been seen at Teddington Lock and in Twickenham.
However, on Sunday the 10-month-old pup was attacked by what is believed to be a brown cross-breed dog, which reportedly clamped its jaws on the seal and wouldn’t let go.
The attack left the seal with a fractured flipper and infected wound.
He was treated by medics from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, and later taken to the South Essex Wildlife Hospital in Tilbury, but vets treating the seal said putting him down was the “only ethical and fair option” to end his suffering.
She added: “Londoners are lucky to live side by side with such amazing wildlife, and we urge the public to follow our code of conduct when they spot important marine mammals such as seals – these include keeping your distance, making sure dogs are kept on leads at all times around these incredible animals, and reporting suspected live strandings to British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).”
Richmond Police also released a statement today on the incident.
They said: “We are investigating the death of a seal, named locally as Freddie, after it was injured by a dog on the River Thames near Hammersmith Bridge.
“Officers attended the location at approximately 12:39 hours on Sunday 21 March along with colleagues from the London Fire Brigade
“They recovered the young pup from the river bank and it was taken to a rescue centre for treatment, but unfortunately had to be put down later, due to injuries sustained in the incident.
“Officers are looking to identify witnesses and to speak to the owner of the dog involved
“Please do contact us with any and all information on 101 quoting reference: 0702604/21
“Our enquiries continue, but we would like to thank the members of the public that stepped in to assist Freddie during the incident.
“The RSPCA has been informed.”
The animal welfare charity, Blue Cross, which helps educate the public in the responsibilities of animal ownership also released a statement on the incident today.
Ryan Neile, Head of Behaviour said the team were “deeply saddened to hear about the passing of a beautiful animal like Freddie the seal.”
He added: “Regardless of age and size, all dogs are predatory animals, and although over the years we’ve bred them for different purposes, many retain strong instincts to chase and hunt prey animals.
“Those specifically bred for hunting will tend to have stronger instincts than other breeds, however all dogs have the potential to carry out these behaviours unless carefully socialised and appropriately trained.
“As dog owners our responsibility to ensure our dogs are kept under control at all times (on and off lead) must be taken seriously, particularly in areas where there is wildlife. Always seek help from qualified reward-based trainers to resolve any issues you are having with your dog.”
Social media users expressed a mix of sadness and anger upon hearing the news of the seal’s death.
Josh Fraser tweeted: “RIP #freddietheseal people who own dogs that attack people/wildlife should be banned from owning pets for life, first a dear [sic] in Richmond park, now a poor seal in Hammersmith, when will it stop? When a child dies? Will they just fine the owner and move on? This needs to be fixed.”
User Lyndomino posted a picture of Hammersmith Bridge, adding: “Looking out towards Freddie’s old hang out. It was such an honour and a joy especially for children – to see a seal in central London #barnesseal”
Pictured top: Seals in the Thames