Inquiry to examine death of kennel owner in dog attack

A fatal accident inquiry is to take place into the death of a man killed by a dog while working in kennels.

Adam Watts, 55, the owner and operator of Juniper Kennels and Cattery in Auchterhouse, near Dundee, was killed by a large bulldog on December 22, 2021.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) announced on Friday it has lodged a first notice to begin the court process for an FAI into the death, with a preliminary hearing set for June 8 at Forfar Sheriff Court.

COPFS said the inquiry will focus on the management of potentially dangerous dogs in temporary kennels, and how Police Scotland share dogs’ histories and behaviours with kennel owners.

Debbie Carroll, of COPFS, said: “The death of Adam Watts occurred while in the course of his employment and as such a fatal accident inquiry is mandatory.

“The lodging of the first notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the sheriff.

“Mr Watts’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”

It was previously reported that Mr Watts had five sons, and he lost his wife to cancer in 2013.

Edinburgh dog trainer SuperSmart Dog Training and Behaviour previously 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.”

FAIs do not seek to attribute blame to any individual or party, but instead aim to establish how the death happened, and what precautions may be put in place to prevent similar deaths from happening moving forward.