Tributes paid to 'hero' killed in dog attack

Tributes have been paid to a “hero” who was killed in a dog attack.

Adam Watts was attacked at the Juniper Kennels and Cattery in Kirkton of Auchterhouse, near Dundee, on Wednesday.

The 55-year-old, who is believed to be a father of five, was pronounced dead at the scene after the incident, which it is understood to have involved a large bulldog-type animal.

Police have said there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

Tributes were paid to Mr Watts online after news of his death broke, with one dog charity praising his “gentle, calm nature” in trying to gain the trust of abused animals in his care.

Save Our Seized Dogs – a group dedicated to assisting owners whose pets are seized under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 – said Mr Watts also helped police in Dundee by taking in animals.

“Adam would take any dog to give them the chance of life and was the kennels of choice for the police in Dundee,” the group said on Facebook.

“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. He talked of them often and was so proud of the older boys helping him with the dogs.

“This is an unbearable tragedy at any time of year. It is even more so at Christmas.

“Rest in peace Adam, you were an amazing man, the world is a poorer place for losing you.”

Edinburgh-based dog trainer SuperSmart Dog Training and Behaviour said: “He was not just a kennel owner. He saved many dogs which he felt needed saved and would campaign for dogs welfare.

“All that met him found a caring, loving man who lived for his five boys and dogs.

“Since his wife died, this was his life who put his heart and soul into saving dogs.

“I’m gutted, as this is not what any dog-loving person would want to hear. Tragic death. He will be missed by all.

“Adam, there are many of us in the dog world heartbroken and you will never be forgotten.”

According to the Evening Telegraph, Mr Watts’ wife Eileen died of stomach cancer in 2013 at the age of 46.