The seal ‘Freddie Mercury’ suffers injuries from dog attack
The 10 month seal was laying on a canoe slip under Hammersmith Bridge at 12:45pm on Sunday (March 21) when it was attacked by an out-of-control dog.
Several passers-by stepped in to protect the mammal before the dog was recalled by its owner, who then left the scene.
British Divers Marine Life Rescue, with the assistance of a local vet, were able to source a cage and contain the seal safely, where it was transferred to South Essex Wildlife Hospital (SEWH).
The Port of London Authority and London Fire Brigade organised a boat to collect the seal and take it to Tilbury, where staff at SEWH have special training in seal care.
