GSPCA saves record number of seal pups during 'busiest' time

The charity said it was looking for a name for the recently rescued seal pup

An animal charity is at its "busiest" ever after rescuing a tenth seal pup this year, bosses say.

The Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) said the latest seal pup was rescued from Fort Pezeries on Wednesday.

The shelter said the current number of seal pups in its care was a record in its 151-year-long history.

GSPCA manager Steve Byrne said the "poorly pup" was a casualty of "recent stormy weather".

GSPCA head of marine mammals Geoff George said the female seal pup weighed "only 20kg [44lbs]" - about half of what she should be expected to weigh at her size.

The seal was dehydrated, underweight and had worms, the charity said

"As well as being dehydrated, she is certainly underweight with a worm burden and some wounds," he said.

GSPCA said four of the seal pups in its care were found at locations in Jersey, while the remaining six were found in Guernsey.

The charity has issued an appeal for donations of "fresh mackerel and herring" for the seal pups.

Mr Byrne said: "We weren't planning on caring for seals long-term this season, and we have a number of challenges and really need help."

The GSPCA said it had returned 32 seals back to the wild over the last decade.