Ever since the sad news this week that resident aquatic celebrity Freddie Mercury would have to be put down following a vicious dog attack, tributes have flooded in from the local community and much further a field.
Freddie had to be put down on Monday (March 22) after being mauled by a dog off its lead the previous day.
The young common seal, which had been given the name in honour of the late Queen singer by walkers in Barnes, was found to have a fractured flipper and a dislocated joint, with veterinarians at South Essex Wildlife Hospital concluding the “only ethical and fair option” was to put him to sleep.
The dog’s owner, Rebecca Sabben-Clare QC, has since said she was “heartbroken by this terrible accident” and apologised.
Picture: Mark Gough (IG/MarkGoughPhotography)
Police have since confirmed she will not be prosecuted.
rest in peace Freddie Mercury the seal 🥺😢 heartbroken. as a dog owner, I’m angry how someone could be so irresponsible with their dog which has now resulted in the passing of this beautiful seal. shame on you. pic.twitter.com/1uw6aQoFvH
— gee 🌙 (@_itsgeorgina_) March 22, 2021
Freddie had originally been rescued as a new-born in the Netherlands last year, but he was rescued again in France and twice in the UK
Picture: BDMLR and Teddingtown Town
A note tied to a traffic cone by his preferred lounging spot reads: "Stop! My name is Freddie Mercury. I have been rescued multiple times but I would like to stay here.
Oh no... Freddie Mercury the seal (not sure it needed anthropomorphising) has died after being attacked by a dog. Our meeting was brief, but the poor creature made a lasting impression. 🦭#FreddieMercury #Seal #Barnes pic.twitter.com/CrhRxHyPXa
— David Friend (@David_Friend01) March 22, 2021
"I am healthy - but was almost attacked by a dog yesterday. It scared me. Please no dogs or people beyond top of ramp."
Picture: Sarah Bate
He was regularly captured on picture and video by passers-by, and had only been rescued a month ago in February after getting a fish hook in his mouth.
RIP Freddie Mercury the Seal. I photographed her here at Teddington Lock the day before fish hook incident. The rare bit of joy in these troubled times taken away from us by a irresponsible dog owner. pic.twitter.com/f3pkmE7hKH
— Barry French (@Barry2103) March 22, 2021
The BDMLR (British Divers Marine Life Rescue) team had hatched a plan to catch him, by closing the gates of Teddington Lock and wielding a large fishing net.
Freddie the seal on the Thames foreshore at Hammersmith Bridge pic.twitter.com/DtFT39DYD5
— Peter Eldrid (@Looking4Osgood) March 20, 2021
Volunteers from Kent, East Sussex and Yorkshire came together, bearing nets, inflatable rafts, and rescue chains for Saturday’s big operation.
RIP Freddie the seal ❤️ #ThisMorning pic.twitter.com/zzyMn1wxnS
— Traylor Holmes (@TraylorHolmes) March 23, 2021
It took nine helpers to lift the seal from the water to safety and in the end, the hook became dislodged during the rescue.
Tara Kerr-Elliott
You can find out more about the work of BDMLR and donate to their rescue efforts here.
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