A warning to leave seals alone has been flashed after this little soul’s lucky escape.
The bloodied pup was found in distress on Redcar beach by a member of the public, who raised the alarm.
Two volunteer members of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, Paul Waugh and Dave Wilson, were dispatched and discovered the seal had been attacked by a dog.
Luckily, the seal, which was found on February 28, was well enough to be sent to a vet’s and went on to make a full recovery.
But one of the volunteers who helped it out, Paul Waugh, is urging people who find seals on the beach not to approach them.
Paul, a BDLMR volunteer for five years, said: “I was the first there to check it out and it looked like someone had either set their dog onto the seal, or it had been off the lead and attacked it.
“I couldn’t believe someone would let this happen to a seal.
“Seals come ashore because they could be ill, injured or just needing a rest. People automatically want to touch them or chase them into the sea. Yes, they can look cute, but they can also be very vicious and have a nasty bite. And if a child went to stroke one, it could bite their hand off.”
Former coastguard Paul, of Brotton, said any wild animal will try and protect itself. They also carry a lot of diseases, so anyone bitten needs to seek hospital treatment.
He added: “Seal pups they will come ashore for a rest and their mother will watch it from the sea. But if anyone goes near it, they will abandon the baby, which we’d then have to transport to the Sealife Centre at Scarbrough, where there is a seal hospital.
“But please, if you see a seal on the beach, do not touch it and keep your dogs away.
“Have a look, but don’t get too close. And if it looks injured, call the BDMLR on 01825 765546.”
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