Scottish Daily Mail

Kennel boss died of huge blood loss as bulldog savaged his arm

- By Bethan Sexton

A KENNEL owner savaged by a bulldog he was given to rehabilita­te by police died due to massive blood loss from extensive bites.

Adam Watts, 55, suffered devastatin­g injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene after the attack at Juniper Kennels and Cattery, near Dundee, on December 22.

The widower’s death certificat­e shows the main cause of death was listed as blood loss due to dog bites to his left arm. A secondary cause of cardiomega­ly, an enlargemen­t of the heart, was also given. Cardiomega­ly

occurs when the heart is forced to work harder than normal, causing it to increase in size. It can be the result of high blood pressure, heart disease or obesity.

Police were called to the scene at Kirkton of Auchterhou­se at 1.10pm, but by 2.11pm Mr Watts had died, according to his death certificat­e. He had agreed to take on the dog after it was seized by officers following an incident in August last year. It was subsequent­ly destroyed following the attack. Mr Watts specialise­d in rehabilita­ting abused dogs. He was described as a devoted father and a ‘hero of the dog world’. Following his death, tributes poured in for the ‘gentle’ father of five boys. It was the second tragedy to strike the family after his wife died of cancer in 2013. In an emotional online post, his son Zak Watts said: ‘We as a family take comfort knowing that our father has been reunited with his wife Eileen Watts who was also prematurel­y taken from us.’ The not-for-profit organisati­on Save our Seized Dogs, which supports owners whose animals have been removed under laws banning certain breeds, said: ‘Adam would take any dog to give them the chance of life and was the kennels of choice for police in Dundee.

‘His gentle, calm nature soon gained the trust of some of the most abused dogs and they were able to go from him to find loving homes. Adam died doing what he loved.

‘He leaves behind five boys who he was the sole parent to.

‘This is an unbearable tragedy. Rest in peace Adam, you were an amazing man, the world is a poorer place for losing you.’

 ?? ?? Attack: A bulldog was destroyed
Attack: A bulldog was destroyed
 ?? ?? Tragedy: Adam Watts
Tragedy: Adam Watts

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