The brutal death of an injured seal pup attacked on a popular Australian beach has prompted an urgent investigation by wildlife authorities.
Victoria Police are appealing for witnesses after the young sub-Antarctic fur seal was found with serious injuries on Bunga Beach near Lakes Entrance, in Victoria.
The baby seal was found resting on the shoreline at around 8am on September 17 by local resident Anne Kaiser, about 318km east of Melbourne.
Mrs. Kaiser notified authorities and returned to the beach around 6 p.m. to check on the “little guy” she called “Sammy.”
She was shocked to discover that the seal had suffered serious facial injuries and serious back wounds in the hours since her last visit.
A veterinarian revealed that the animal’s spine was fractured and several ribs were fractured.
Mrs Kaiser said seeing Sammy in pain had left her heartbroken.
‘He was allegedly attacked by a dog and his human. His spine broke in half, to name just one of his injuries,” she wrote on Facebook.
Victoria Police are appealing for witnesses after the young sub-Antarctic fur seal (pictured) was found with serious injuries on Bunga Beach near Lakes Entrance, eastern Victoria
The young seal (photo) had to be euthanized due to the severity of his injuries
A spokesperson for Crime Stoppers said human footprints and dog paw prints were spotted around the seal.
‘A qualified veterinarian assessed the seal and discovered a vertebral fracture and multiple rib fractures. The animal was subsequently euthanized due to the severity of the injuries,” they said.
‘(The resident) also stated that he had seen a large stick next to the animal that was not there before.
“This matter is now being investigated by authorities and evidence has been collected.”
Ms. Kaiser wrote that the animal had no chance of surviving.
“It really hurt me to see little Sammy so peaceful, and then a few hours later how much damage we humans can do,” she wrote online.
“RIP little Sammy.”
A local resident was shocked to discover that the baby seal had suffered serious facial wounds (pictured) and critical back wounds in the hours since she last checked on the animal
Several of Sammy’s ribs were broken and his spine was broken in half (an x-ray is shown)
The Conservation Regulator is investigating the incident and Melbourne Zoo will conduct an autopsy to determine how the seal died.
All wildlife, including seals, are protected under Victorian law and it is illegal to harm, disturb, touch or be within 30 meters of them on land.
Offenders could face fines of more than $49,000 or 12 months in prison if found guilty of animal cruelty, and pet owners could face fines of almost $5,000 if their pet attacks, injures or chases wildlife.
The Conservation Regulator has urged everyone to do so with information to report this confidentially to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
