It's coming into that time of year and the UK have already been dealing with their first few sick and injured seal pups. When out and about the GSPCA would like to urge the people of Guernsey and visitors to take care if you see a seal or seal pup as with the autumn weather they can be at risk from the strong currents and bad weather.
If you find a seal pup that looks FIT AND HEALTHY and it shows no signs of distress, you may consider monitoring it from a safe distance for 24 hours. Unfortunately, too many seal pups get taken into captivity because people think they have been abandoned. If the mother does not return within 24 hours, we would ask you to contact 01481 257261.
A healthy pup looks like a big, stuffed maggot without a neck. However, a thin pup looks sleek (but not bony) and has a visible neck, like a healthy dog.
PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH THE SEAL. They can give a nasty bite, which will become infected by bacteria that live in a seal’s mouths.
Note: Do not allow dogs or other animals to harass a seal.
If a seal is scared back into the water, it could then be washed out to sea by strong currents and be lost. You should not put a seal pup back in the sea as it may get into difficulty.
If a seal pup is sick, thin or injured then we would ask you to contact our 24-hour cruelty and advice line
When reporting an injured, sick or abandoned seal to the GSPCA, please make sure you are able to supply the following information:
- Exact location; nearest town / village
- Position on the beach, and state of the tide
- How long you have observed the pup; any disturbance / risk to it; whether the mother has been seen
- Any wounds / obvious signs of illness
- Length/colour/condition.
Pictured here are of Pumpkin a seal GSPCA staff rescued and cared for which went to the seal sanctuary in Cornwall. If you would like to see his story please click here.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager said 'For the seals of Guernsey and our surrounding waters we at the GSPCA hope for a clement and calm autumn.' 'Every year we recieve injured and sick seal pups like Pumpkin from last year and we hope people follow the advice we have on our web site.' 'We would especially ask dog walkers to be careful when out as we don't want any of the mothers scared away or the pups harmed.'
Caution:- Handling of any animal either domestic, wild, dead or alive may be potentially hazardous. Obvious dangers include bites, scratches and general hygiene issues. Common sense should be applied in all instances and, if unsure, seek additional advice or assistance. Personal hygiene should be taken into consideration after handling any animal, whether it’s domestic, wild, dead or alive.
Post new comment