Stay away from sick seals

Friday 21 February 2020

Islanders are being warned to keep well away from stranded seals after a pup with low chances of survival was disturbed by members of the public and made its way back into the water.

The pup was found far inland on St. Ouen's beach earlier this week.

By the time the JSPCA and BDMLR were notified, the underweight and dehydrated seal had unfortunately been disturbed by the finder, who did not heed advice from the two animal charities, and was already heading back to the sea.

The BDMLR has since put out an urgent appeal to islanders not to approach seals in this condition.

The rescue service - which has saved nearly all of the seals it has lifted in its 15 years of activity with the help of New Era Vets - warned that seals found this far up the beach are often unwell and, like all wild animals, will get frightened when approached.

They have requested that if anyone is to come across a marine mammal in this condition again they should remain a safe distance, keep all dogs on leads and contact either the JSPCA or the BDMLR straight away so that trained medics can assess its condition.

Islanders can call the BDMLR hotline on 01825 765546 or the JSPCA on 724331.

Pictured top: Marty McSeal, who was nursed back to health after washing up on a Jersey beach last year.