Tributes have been paid to the much-loved owner of a kennels on the outskirts of Dundee after his death in a dog attack.
Residents of Auchterhouse, Angus, have been left shell-shocked by the death of local dad-of-five Adam Watts, 55.
Mr Watts owned Juniper Kennels and Cattery in the Angus village, where the attack happened on Wednesday afternoon.
Police attended but the father was pronounced dead at the scene.
Auchterhouse locals paid tribute to Mr Watts, calling his death a “tragedy”.
One woman said: “He was a friend to many.
“It’s a tragedy that he has lost his life.
“We were aware of a police presence in the area yesterday afternoon and there was also an ambulance in attendance.”
The 55-year-old cared for many dogs during his 20 years running the kennels and took in animals from the Scottish SPCA animal welfare centre in Petterden.
Dundee and Angus-based Wallace Vets also paid tribute.
“It is with huge sadness that we learn of the passing of Adam Watts, of Juniper Kennels,” they said on social media.
“Adam was 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.
“Our heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathies go to his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Another neighbour said he felt for Adam’s children after the “devastating” news.
He added: “We saw the police racing up to the address with the flashing blue lights.
“It is just such devastating news. My condolences go to his children at this awful time.”
One woman added: “I’m just completely shell-shocked by what has happened.
“We didn’t know him personally but we knew others that did.
“We were aware of the police being in the area.
“Many have obviously just been expressing how devastated they are by this news.
“My thoughts just go out to his family.”
Emergency response
Police were called to the Kirkton of Auchterhouse area on Wednesday afternoon, after reports of a man being attacked by a dog.
One witness said four police vehicles were in the village late into the evening. Police remain at the scene on Thursday afternoon.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers received report of a man having been attacked by a dog in Kirkton of Auchterhouse around 1.10pm on Wednesday December 22, 2021.
“Emergency services attended, however, the 55-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”
