Seal sanctuary alarm over dog attacks on pups

Custard was brought in to the sanctuary with bite wounds on her rear flippers

Seal pups are turning up injured on Cornwall's beaches and the Cornish Seal Sanctuary has said dogs off leads could be to blame.

The sanctuary's animal care team said it had taken in several pups with suspected dog bite wounds.

The sanctuary is urging holidaymakers this October half term to give wildlife space and keep pets under control.

"We're not pointing fingers," said Grace Jones, the sanctuary's conservation officer. "We know people love walking their dogs on the coast, especially during the holidays, but even friendly dogs can scare or hurt vulnerable pups."

The bite wounds on Custard's rear flippers

The sanctuary rescues up to 60 grey seal pups every year, many of which are separated from their mums or hurt after being disturbed.

Visitors can meet the latest arrivals, named after desserts like S'mores, Meringue and Sorbet, in the seal hospital and nursery pools.

Ms Jones added: "Seeing these pups up close reminds people how fragile they are."

The team's advice is - keep dogs on leads, stay at least 100m away from seals and call British Divers Marine Life Rescue on 01825 765546 if you spot a pup in trouble.