Injured seal pup dies after being 'thrown back' into water by passerby in Moray

An injured seal pup has died after a member of the public threw him back into water before he could receive medical care.

A Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer was called out to reports of an injured seal pup with a large gash on his head at Roseisle, near Elgin, earlier this month.

However, by the time the officer arrived, a member of the public admitted they had picked the seal up and thrown him back into the sea.

The animal rescue officer was unable to locate the seal and eventually had to leave to attend other incidents.

The next weekend, there was another report of an injured seal matching the same injuries and description found at Portgordon.

Upon arrival, an officer noted the pup had a gash on one side of his eye and a large lump, believed to be an abscess, on his cheek.

The pup had a large gash on his head. Scottish SPCA

Animal rescue officer, Lynn Cruickshank, said: “I took him to our National Wildlife Centre to be checked over, but sadly, the seal died from his injuries.”

She said that, had the animal been “left alone” when he was first spotted, he may have survived.

“Sadly, this seal has gone on to suffer with his injuries for a further week – which could have been avoided,” she said.

“Approaching a seal is also potentially dangerous as seals are wild animals and can inflict a nasty bite when scared or in pain. Even young seals have the potential to cause injury.

“Never touch a seal or attempt to carry or chase them back into the sea.”

Seals are known to haul out onto land for 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,” Ms Cruikshank added.

“If you are unsure whether a seal needs our help, please monitor them from a safe distance.

“If the animal has any visible signs of injury, looks generally unwell, or has been out of the water for 12 to 24 hours please contact our helpline on 03000 999 999 for advice.”