Inquest Hears Man’s Decline Followed Dog’s Euthanasia

An inquest revealed that a journalist and Hillsborough campaigner, Dan Kay, 45, of Liverpool, experienced a decline in his well-being after his dog was euthanized. The hearing was informed that Mr. Kay had to have the pet, which originated from Bosnia through a rescue organization, put down due to its aggressive behavior and attacks on some of his friends. According to statements from friends of Mr. Kay, who was formerly employed by the Liverpool Echo newspaper, he received an email on 20 April from the woman who had given him the dog. In this email, she labeled him a “murderer” for having the animal euthanized, a decision made on the advice of a vet. Mr. Kay’s body was discovered on 7 May near Mossley Hill railway station in south Liverpool. Linda Duncan, a friend, testified at the hearing that Mr. Kay had been “unbelievably excited and over the moon at a having a dog for first the first time.” The animal, purchased for £500, suffered from an eye problem, contracted kennel cough, and exhibited growing aggression. At one point, Mr. Kay was forced to lock himself in his bedroom to avoid the dog. Following consultations with an animal behavior expert and unsuccessful efforts to rehome the pet, a vet informed Mr. Kay that euthanasia was the sole viable course of action. Ms. Duncan noted that friends grew worried about Mr. Kay’s physical state in the period following the dog’s euthanasia. She stated to the hearing: “His appearance looked scruffy, he was going downhill and he didn’t look well.” On 1 May, another friend, Steve Kelly, visited Mr. Kay’s residence on Pitville Avenue, Mossley Hill. Receiving no answer, Mr. Kelly contacted the police. He recounted that upon entering the house with officers, they observed “knives all over the place and blood everywhere.” Mr. Kay had sustained a deep knife wound to his neck and additional injuries to his body. While being transported to the hospital, he reportedly stated, “I don’t want to live but I don’t want to die.” After a mental health worker was assigned to him, Mr. Kay requested that his family and friends provide him with privacy. On 7 May, a member of the public reported the discovery of a body on the railway line near Mossley Hill station. Amos Waldman, Mr. Kay’s first cousin, delivered an emotional tribute, detailing Mr. Kay’s two previous suicide attempts over past decades. The initial attempt occurred shortly after his mother’s funeral, when he was discovered in an Amsterdam hotel room with a significant quantity of drugs. The second incident took place during a family visit in Israel, where he was hospitalized after self-harming with razors. Seated beside a large photograph of his cousin, an emotional Mr. Waldman stated: “I know I, and so many others, have been deeply rocked and devastated by Dan’s passing. Shock reverberated around the city and beyond. “Dan was a wonderful person, one of the best, and has left a gaping hole in our lives.” Mr. Kay, an ardent supporter of Liverpool FC, was primarily raised by his grandparents in Wallasey. He dedicated his efforts to working with Hillsborough families and survivors, and also collaborated with the family of the late campaigner Anne Williams on a book chronicling her life. This book was later adapted into an award-winning TV drama, for which Mr. Kay contributed to the script.