As thousands of Cape fur seals continue to wash up along the beaches of the West Coast, this phenomenon has only been worsened by locals reportedly inflicting intentional harm upon seals, as per Getaway.
According to the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, malnutrition is the main cause for the thousands of dead Cape Fur seals that have also been washing up on the shores, however, Hout Bay Seal Rescue (HBSRC) operations director Kim Krynauw has revealed that the organisation is receiving numerous reports of animal cruelty inflicted upon the seals by locals in St Helena Baai.
Krynauw said that individuals have attacked the small colony of seals that live on the beach, kicking them into rocks, and then throwing them into the ocean. She also said that they’ve received reports of individuals using spades to beat the seals to death. All matters regarding cruelty to the seals were reported to the Department of Environmental Affairs and the City of Cape Town, who subsequently sent a team of investigators.
‘It is absolutely horrific what is going on,’ said Krynauw. The most recent report is with regards to a net full of caught seals who were all clubbed to death. Furthermore, Krynauw reported that HBSRC has been made aware of traditional healers seeking out seals for their skin.
Stellenbosch University senior lecturer and Sea Search co-director Tess Gridley indicated that they are currently gathering various reports from an extensive network of varying people, volunteers and organisations, however, they do not know the exact number of dead seals, but Gridley states that it could be between 40 and 50 seal deaths a day, reports IOL.
All instances of intentional cruelty against seals or unauthorised removal of seals must be reported to the police or to the SPCA, ideally with a location pin, says Gridley. ‘We also urge the public to keep dogs on leads when they encounter dead or sick seals on the beach, and to maintain a safe distance.’
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