SSPCA issues plea after seal pup dies.

The Scottish SPCA is urging members of the public not to return injured seals to the water, after a seal pup was unable to be rescued.

The rescue charity had been called out to help a seal pup that had suffered a gash to its head.

However, the animal rescue officer could not locate the injured seal after a member of the public admitted to picking the seal up and throwing it back into the sea. When the seal could not be found, the rescue officer had to leave the scene.

The following weekend, a seal with the same injuries and description was reported to the Scottish SPCA.

It was found to be suffering from a gash near its eye and a suspected abscess on its neck. Rescue officers took it to the National Wildlife Centre, but it later died of its injuries.

The charity believes that this seal could have been rescued had it been left on land after being discovered. Approaching seals is also considered to be dangerous, as they can bite when scared or in pain.

The Scottish SPCA says that members of the public should never touch a seal, or attempt to chase or carry them back to the sea.

Lynn Cruickshank, the attending animal rescue officer, said: “Seals often haul out on land to rest and usually this is nothing to worry about. However, if a seal is injured or sick they could be out of the water for good reason.

“Forcing them back into the water is likely to cause only cause further stress for the animal.”

If you find a seal that may need help, the Scottish SPCA says that you should monitor it from a distance. If it has visible injuries, appears unwell or has been on land for 12 to 24 hours, you should contact them on 03000 999 999.

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