A kennel owner who died in a dog attack was a passionate animal welfare campaigner who worked tirelessly to give abused dogs another chance in life, his friends and colleagues have said.
Adam Watts was killed at the Juniper kennels and cattery he ran in Kirkton of Auchterhouse, near Dundee, on Wednesday, by a dog it is understood police had previously seized and brought to him for rehabilitation.
Watts, 55, was pronounced dead at the scene after the attack, which was believed to have involved a large bulldog-type animal.
The father of five wrote on the kennels’ Facebook page that his five sons assisted his work. It is believed his wife died of stomach cancer eight years ago at the age of 46.
Police have said there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.
Save Our Seized Dogs, a group dedicated to helping owners whose pets are seized under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, said Watts worked with police in Dundee. “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.”
Juniper Kennels advertised itself as having 22 kennels of varying sizes, and eight catteries, with an enclosed exercise area to the rear where dogs could have a secure free run. It also offered leaded walks, one dog at a time.
Wallace Vets, which has centres around Dundee, posted a tribute on its website, describing Watts as “the most caring man who went over and above in his passion for caring for animals, and worked tirelessly to help give some a loving future with a new family”.
The Edinburgh-based dog training company SuperSmart Dog Training and Behaviour posted: “He was not just a kennel owner. He saved many dogs which he felt needed saving 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 [and he] put his heart and soul into saving dogs.”
