RSPCA investigates after seals found beheaded

Friday, 15 January 2010 12:00 AM

The bodies of five grey seals have been found on a north-east beach, three of which had been decapitated. The seals were all juveniles, the oldest of which is thought to have been no more than a year old and the youngest just a few weeks.

The RSPCA is investigating the grim discovery made by a passer-by at Whitley Bay, North Tyneside on Monday morning (11 January).

RSPCA acting chief inspector Mark Gent said: "Obviously this was a very upsetting thing to come across and has caused a lot of distress to the person who found them.

"These were very young animals, one of them was what's often described as a 'white coat' and was just a few weeks old.

"Clearly they haven't died of natural causes and we are very concerned.

"We want to hear from anyone who knows anything that might help us in our investigation as soon as possible."

Anyone with any information should call the RSPCA cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 and ask to leave a message for ACI Gent.

One of the seals was tagged. Investigations by the RSPCA have found that it was part of a study into the survival and reproductive success of seals conducted by the Sea Mammal Research Unit, St Andrews, Fife.

Seals are protected under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 and the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994 (as amended).

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Pictures of the seals are available (warning: one may be considered quite graphic), please credit the RSPCA where used and do not archive. Please phone the press office on 0300 123 0244/0288 for copy.

RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk

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