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Freddie the seal DIES after savage dog attack: Vets are forced to put down injured animal that had delighted crowds on the banks of the Thames as calls grow for owner of unleashed cross-breed to be prosecuted
- The seal has been entertaining crowds near Hammersmith Bridge, in west London, since he arrived last month
- Shocking pictures show the moment dog off its lead attacked the young pup leaving him with severe wounds
- Onlookers managed to rush over and release the dog's jaw from the injured seal until emergency help arrived
- Vets said Freddie suffered a fractured flipper, dislocated joint and an infection and had to be euthanised
- Do you know the dog owner? Email tips@dailymail.com
Freddie the seal who was savagely attacked by a dog on the banks of the Thames has been put down by vets who said it was 'the only ethical and fair option'.
The animal, who was named after Freddie Mercury because of his crowd-pleasing antics, has been entertaining riverside walkers near Hammersmith Bridge in Barnes, West London, since he arrived up stream on the river last month.
But distressing pictures showed the young pup being mauled by a brown cross-breed at around 12.45pm on Sunday.
Onlookers including a passing vet rushed over to release the dog's clamped jaws and stayed with the injured seal until emergency services arrived.
Photographer Duncan Phillips, 55, who was shooting images of the seal when it was attacked on the slipway, told MyLondon: 'It was quite a vicious attack. The dog just wouldn't let go.
'It wouldn't let go despite repeated attempts by members of the public to separate the animals.'
Hammersmith seal Freddie put down by vets after being savaged by dog | Daily Mail Online
