A SEAL pup discovered on a public beach sparked an RSPCA plea.
A baby seal no more than few days old was rescued from Talacre last week and taken to the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay, prompting the animal charity to issue urgent advice not to approach any other “abandoned” pups.
The pup was recovered by a member of public who also worked for an animal rescue organisation.
It was in a hazardous situation on a public beach with people and dogs, which would have put the young creature, which was about 20 inches long with a furry white coat, at risk.
Will Galvin, RSPCA inspector said: "We are in no doubt that this animal welfare worker acted correctly with regards to the seal pup, but ordinarily the best thing to do in these circumstances is to phone the RSPCA as we can then assess the situation and make a sound judgement.
“Young pups are often left alone, with the mother returning after a short trip out to sea.
“If you find a small seal pup on the beach, do not approach too closely, keep your dog on a lead and certainly never attempt to handle a seal as they can give a very serious bite which may become infected by bacteria that live in their mouths, and a mother may abandon a pup that smells of humans or dogs.
“You should also avoid scaring the seal back into the water, as it could then get into difficulty and be washed out to sea and lost by strong currents.”
If a pup is left alone for 24 hours, or is sick (not fat and healthy) call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.