The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) is concerned about increasing incidents of harassment by the public of Cape fur seals along the coast, Cape {town] Etc reports.
In a statement, department spokesman Peter Mbelengwa, said incidents of brutality toward seals have increased since the rabies virus was detected in the Cape fur seal population.
‘These incidents include allowing dogs to approach and/ or attack resting seals; throwing stones at seals; enticing seals to chase people for social media footage, teasing seals for photo opportunities; hitting seals; and feeding seals for financial gain to allow for photo opportunities with seals.’
Cape fur seals are abundant and vital to the marine ecosystem. If a seal is ashore in a public area, appears unwell, weak, or aggressive, and doesn’t flee when approached, it may be infected with rabies.
In such cases, the department urges the public to keep at least 15 meters away and contact authorities immediately, as the seal may act unpredictably.
Additionally, the department requests that when the public walks their dogs on the beach, they keep their dogs on a lead at all times to avoid the dog approaching and/or attacking the seal, which again is criminal conduct but may also enable the spread of the rabies virus if the dog is bitten.
The Threatened or Protected Marine Species Regulations, 2017, protect seals, making physical interaction and feeding illegal and a criminal offence.
The department warns that activities at Hout Bay harbour, such as harassment and illegal feeding, are unlawful.
To avoid prosecution and ensure safety, the public is urged not to engage in these actions.
There are measures in place to rehabilitate or provide medical care to any seal should the need arise, as well as to handle suspected rabies cases.
The public should, therefore, report any concerns they have to the department at 0800 205 005, the SPCA 021 700 4158/9 or the City of Cape Town at 021 480 7700.
Earlier this year, the Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre (HBSRC) reported a sharp rise in injured Cape fur seals.
In early October, the non-profit condemned the attacks after another seal was reportedly killed by people who mistakenly believed it had rabies.
The organisation adds that this is the 3rd seal that’s been found hurt or dead at Surfers Corner in the past 5 months.
HBSRC urges the public to avoid seals, warning that feeding or harming them is illegal.
Also read:
Seal death at Muizenberg Beach raises concerns over animal welfare
Picture: Nardus Engelbrecht / Gallo
