Council tells seal harassers to 'pack it in'

People were reportedly throwing stones at a seal at Whitley Bay

A council has urged people bothering seals to “pack it in”, following reports of dog attacks and harassment.

The warning comes after people allegedly threw stones at a seal at Whitley Bay’s Brierdene on Sunday.

Darren Martin from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) said the seal was not injured, but was surrounded by people trying to take photographs.

“Please pack it in, if people keep doing this the seals will stop hauling in,” North Tyneside Council said in a post on X.

It added it had received reports from the BMLR of people harassing seals by taking selfies, allowing their dogs to attack them, and throwing stones.

'Never touch a seal'

Mr Martin told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he had been called out 30 or 40 times to deal with reports of public harassment of seals since October last year.

He also said he had received between six to 12 calls about dog attacks, from Cambois to Seaham.

Mr Martin, 62, of Forest Hall said: "I would tell people not to go anywhere near a seal, never touch a seal.

"It is against the law to touch a seal, unless you have a licence like us.

"Phone Marine Rescue, then they will send out a medic if a seal needs a medic, or if it just needs moving on.

"If you see there is a seal around, put your dog straight on a lead until you get past.”

Dogs usually bite seals on their rear flippers, and deep lacerations require veterinary attention and antibiotics.

However, if bones in the flipper are broken as a result of dog bites, it is unlikely the seal will survive out at sea and may have to be put down.