Every Autumn the shores of the Bailiwick see Grey Seal pups being born and the GSPCA are issuing advice today on what to do especially with the rough weather that is due.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “With the stormy weather due and seal pup season upon us around our shores the GSPCA are asking islanders to be vigilant when around the coast.”
“If anyone see's a pup with or without a mum we really do appreciate a call so that we are aware of its location and condition or send us a few pictures by email or social media, but please don’t approach them and certainly don’t let your dogs get near.”
“For those that don’t know a healthy pup looks like a big, stuffed maggot without a neck.”
“However, a thin pup looks sleek, not necessarily bony and has a visible neck, like a healthy dog.”
“Only a few months ago did we release seal pups Pebbles from Guernsey and Jersey pup Andrew.”
“It is the grey seal that we predominately see around our shores and with the such stormy weather the mums could easily get separated or pups harmed due to the sea conditions.”
“If you have a concern call us on 01481 257261 and chose option 2 for our 24/7 emergency helpline.”
“To care for the 100’s of wild animals and many others in our care we really need your support, please donate to our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal by visiting https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal , call 01481 257261 or by post please make cheques payable to 'GSPCA’ and send to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD.”
Here is some additional advice -
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 the GSPCA immediately on 01481 257261 day or night
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 above is Bonnie the seal pup on arrival and after a few months of care.
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.
For more information on sick and injured wildlife please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/animals/wildlife-advice
In line with States of Guernsey advice please DO NOT visit the GSPCA if have been outside of the Bailiwick of Guernsey in line with their advice or have any symptoms of Coronavirus and we continue visits to the Shelter for only essential reasons and to please call us on 01481 257261 or email [email protected] before your trip to see if we can help without you coming to the Shelter. For the latest information and advice please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/search/node/coronavirus
The GSPCA continues with all essential services and we plane to phase other services back into operation and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-take-cautious-approach-returning-new-normal-%E2%80%93-gspca-plan-our-services-and-volunteers-retu
With huge challenges on our resources and a drop in income from boarding and donations please help us help animals in Guernsey with our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal by donating online via - https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal
During these difficult times help us help animals in need. From donating to Sponsoring a Pen, Buying a Brick for the much needed Wildlife Hospital to our Amazon and main page Wish List, holding a mufti day to a sponsored Christmas dip, here are some of the ways you could help give animals joy.
For volunteering information please visit http://gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or call 257261
To find out more on talks and our education work please email [email protected] or call 01481 257261
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