HEARTBROKEN

Owner of dog apologises for attack on seal

THE owner of the dog that mauled Freddie the seal is “heartbroken” by the “terrible accident” that led to the celebrity sea creature’s death.

Rebecca Sabben-clare, 49, who is a commercial barrister, was devastated to learn Freddie had to be put down due to injuries inflicted by her dog Toby.

She said: “I apologise unreservedly for what happened. In hindsight I wish, of course, that the dog had been on a lead, but at the time it didn’t seem necessary.”

The 10-month-old seal, who was loved by locals, was sunning itself by the Thames in Barnes, south-west London, on Sunday when it was attacked.

Ms Sabben-clare lives nearby and a neighbour said her dog was “friendly” and named Toby. She said: “It is not an aggressive dog. He has no history of this and is super sweet with our dogs. She is a nice person – it could happen to anyone.”

Ms Sabben-clare and passers-by, including a vet, desperately tried to prise

Toby off the seal, which was later taken to the South Essex Wildlife Hospital in Tilbury, where he had to be put down. Ms Sabben-clare said: “As an animal lover, I fully understand the dismay that has been expressed. I am hugely grateful to all who helped at the scene.

“They were heroic. I left for my own safety and that of my dog, believing that there was nothing I could do to help as the seal was being looked after by a vet and help had been called. I offered my details to the vet.”

The QC said she had contacted police and been directed to the RSPCA, who were “happy that no offence had been committed”. She contacted police again on Tuesday after they issued a statement saying they wanted to identify the dog owner, but they did not get back to her. She has made a donation to the wildlife hospital which treated Freddie. Police said they were investigating and still aim to speak to the dog owner.

HORRIFIC Toby bites the seal

GRIM VIEW Rebecca and Toby as seal is treated

SAD Freddie was put down