Inquiry to examine death of Angus kennel owner

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), Scotland’s death investigation authority, has lodged a First Notice to begin the court process for a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the death of Angus-kennel owner Adam Watts.  

Watts, 55, the owner and operator of Juniper Kennels and Cattery in Auchterhouse, near Dundee, died on 22 December 2021, after being attacked by a large dog.      

The purpose of a FAI includes determining the cause of death; the circumstances in which the death occurred, and to establish what, if any, reasonable precautions could have been taken, and could be implemented in the future, to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.        

The inquiry will explore the circumstances of Watts’ death, with an anticipated focus on the management of potentially dangerous dogs in temporary kennels and how Police Scotland share dogs’ histories and behaviours with kennel operators.      

Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.

Debbie Carroll, of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, 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.”           

A preliminary hearing is set for 8 June 2026 at Forfar Sheriff Court.