Injured grey seal pup rescued at Petit Bot now at the GSPCA
Submitted by Steve on 11:40, 10th Dec, 2016 |
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At 7.45am this morning the GSPCA emergency number was called to an injured grey seal pup at Petit Bot.
GSPCA Volunteer Wardens Paul Duchemin and Neil Turner attended the scene were they were faced with a young male seal pup with a very nasty open injury to its back, weak and thin.
The pup was rescued and brought directly to the GSPCA Animal Shelter in St Andrews were it was been thoroughly checked over by local vet and GSPCA President John Knight and Animal Collection Officer and Marine Medic Geoff George.
The pup is currently in intensive care at the GSPCA and having a series of treatment in an isolated specialist room at the Shelter.
Geoff George Animal Collection Officer said "The vet and I have just checked the young grey seal pup and it has a very nasty injury to its back which will need an operation on Monday where they can look at it much closer and do what is necessary to help the very poorly pup."
"We haven't yet named him and he is currently on a series of treatments and in intensive care at the GSPCA."
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said "The call to rescue the grey seal pup came in early this morning and our GSPCA Volunteer Wardens Paul and Neil attended and rescued the very thin and injured which arrived around 830am."
"Vet John Knight and GSPCA main seal carer Geoff George have been doing all they can for this very poorly seal pup and we are looking at operating to help his wound in the next few days when he is a little stronger."
"Geoff and the team will be caring for him around the clock at the GSPCA and we will of course keep everyone informed."
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager continued
"The pup is very young and we are doing everything we can do help this very poorly animal and we are all hoping it survives the first night."
"A huge thank you to Geoff who has come in on his day off to help will the seal pup and of course to vet John Knight."
For advice on what to do if you see a seal pup -
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 but here is some advice.
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 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 Jethou Bumblebee and Hanois two Grey Seals GSPCA staff rescued and cared for which were released on Jethou April 2013.
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.
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