Seal pup found on Stonehaven beach put down as police launch probe

Volunteers at the scene said the seal was 'very underweight' and had blood around its mouth.

By Ena Saracevic

August 14 2024, 4:53 pm

Warning - this article contains images that some readers may find distressing. Image: BDMLR

An injured seal pup has been put down after it was found injured in Stonehaven.

The animal was discovered on the coastal town’s beach on Tuesday.

Despite the efforts of the rescue team, the decision was made euthanise the seal after vets decided the animals injuries were too severe.

The young seal pup was found on a busy stretch of the beach and was then reported to the BDLMR (British Drivers Marine Life Rescue) hotline.

The seal was put down after vets said its injuries were too severe. Image: BDMLR

A spokesperson for BDMLR said: “We are unable to say if the blood on the animal was caused by abuse.

“The young common seal pup was found on a busy part of the beach and reported to our rescue hotline.

“A BDMLR volunteer arrived on scene and found the pup to be very underweight and with some blood around its mouth.

“The seal was taken to a local veterinary practice and upon examination was found to have ulcerations inside its mouth, which is something we are seeing in a lot of young common seals, not just in Scotland but around the UK.

“At this time of year there are young seals coming onto the beach to rest, if anyone comes across a seal on land they should not approach it.

“Keep children away and dogs on leads, and call BDMLR or the Scottish SPCA for help or advice.”

‘Enquiries are ongoing’ into full circumstances

The incident was later reported to police.

A police spokesperson said: “Officers were contacted around 1.40pm on Tuesday, 13 August, 2024.

“The seal was recovered and taken to a local vet where it was euthanised.

“Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and anyone who has any information which may assist officers is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 1786 of August 13.”