A BELOVED seal has died after being mauled by a dog on the banks of the River Thames where he entertained walkers for weeks.
The animal, named after Queen singer Freddie Mercury, had to be put down after he was attacked on Sunday.
Pictures show the dog latched on to one of the seal’s flippers as walkers and cyclists, including a vet, rushed to his aid near Hammersmith Bridge in Barnes, west London.
Onlookers stayed with Freddie until emergency services arrived, but tonight South Essex Wildlife Hospital confirmed he had to be put down.
A spokesman said: “Freddie’s flipper is fractured and the joint dislocated.
“Seals do not take anaesthetic well as they have a dive reflex and don’t breathe.
“We suspect the infection is spreading and with the other bite wounds to his body he is very miserable.
“At this stage we believe the only ethical and fair option we have is to end his suffering.”
A photographer who was staking pictures of Freddie when the attack happened said it was “vicious.”
Duncan Phillips, 55, told MyLondon: “The dog just wouldn’t let go.
“It wouldn’t let go despite repeated attempts by members of the public to separate the animals.”
The vet who came to the seal aid was bitten three times by terrified Freddie while trying to him.
Meanwhile a male cyclist was “headbutted” by the seal as he tried to hold him still.
Now animal lovers on social media have slammed the dog’s owner after the brutal attack.
One wrote: “I hope this owner is dragged into court. Sick to death of seeing these horrendous attacks.
“Stop making excuses for these dogs and irresponsible owners. Thankful for those who helped.
Another added: “The owner needs to be brought before the courts and fined. Then made to pay for Freddie’s veterinary bills and rehabilitation.”
