Several seal pups have been discovered with what appear to be dog bite marks on them.
Pups like Custard, who was rescued recently, were found with injuries “consistent with dog bites”.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary has spoken out on the issue to urge beachgoers to keep a safe distance from seals – and particularly their pups – after several recent rescues had similar wounds.
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A spokesperson for the charity said: “As the autumn rescue season continues, the team has already taken in a number of grey seal pups from around the Cornish coastline; many of them separated from their mothers or injured after being disturbed on beaches.
“While most interactions between people, pets, and wildlife are unintentional, even well-meaning approaches can cause distress or harm to vulnerable pups.”
Each year, the sanctuary rescues up to 60 grey seal pups that need specialist care before they can be released back to the wild, as reports Need To Know.
Grace Jones, Conservation Officer at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, said: “We completely understand that people love getting out on the coast with their dogs, especially during half term.
“We simply ask visitors to enjoy our beaches responsibly.
“By keeping dogs on leads near wildlife and giving resting seals plenty of space.
“These small actions make a huge difference to the safety of both seals and dogs.”
The charity urges beachgoers to keep dogs on leads when seals are nearby.
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