RSPA gears up for seal pup season (From Western Telegraph)

RSPA gears up for seal pup season

RSPCA Cymru Wales is calling on visitors and residents on the North and South West Wales coastlines to be alert during the forthcoming seal pup season.

From September to December the RSPCA rescues a number of seals from Welsh beaches.

Most of these have been sick, injured or stranded in bad weather. Seal pups spend the first 21 days of their life living on the land, during which time their mothers return to feed them several times a day.

While the pups are left alone they are vulnerable to attacks from dogs and other animals. Humans can also be a threat to them.

In preparation for the seal pup season, RSPCA Cymru Wales has employed four new animal collection officers in South and West Wales, who will deal with the influx of sick or injured seal pups in Wales.

If visitors do come across a seal on a beach this coming season, the RSPCA has the following advice:

l Firstly, monitor the seal from a safe distance so the mother isnt frightened away. In most cases the mother will return. l Keep any dogs on a lead.

l Do not try and handle seals as they can bite.

l If there is a genuine concern for the welfare of the seal, or for further advice, contact the RSPCA on 0870 55 55 999 (calls will be charged at the national rate).