Stranded Seal Pups: RSPCA Appeals To Public

More than a dozen seal pups have been rescued from beaches in south Wales after becoming stranded during stormy weather.

The animals are currently being cared for by the RSPCA.

"Sadly it is this time of year when seal pups can be affected by bad weather because they are so vulnerable," animal collection officer Ellie West said

Ms West said the beaches where seal pups had been rescued from included Llangennith in Gower and Pembrey in Carmarthenshire.

The RSPCA is urging people to be on the lookout for stranded pups, but not to act if the animal looks to be in good condition.

"If the mother does not return within 24 hours then a call should be logged with the RSPCA for collection," Ms West said.

"A healthy pup will look big and fat without a neck whereas a thin pup will look sleek and will have a visible neck.

"If a sick, thin or injured pup is found then a call should be made to the RSPCA.

"A seal on a busy public beach (adults, children or dogs around or close to the seal) is likely to be sick or injured.

"We would advise the public not to touch seals as they can give a nasty bite, not to put the animal back into the water as it could be washed out to sea and lost and not to allow dogs or other animals near the sea."