Police are investigating after a seal was found badly injured on a beach in Aberdeenshire.
Officers were called after the animal was discovered on Stonehaven Beach at around 1.40pm on Tuesday.
The seal was taken to a local vet but had to be euthanised.
Police Scotland said enquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident are ongoing.
The force asked anyone who may be able to assist officers to contact them on 101 quoting incident reference number 1786 of August 13.
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