A critically injured seal pup found in suspicious circumstances on a Victorian beach has sparked an investigation by the state’s conservation watchdog.
Crime Stoppers Victoria on Tuesday said the Conservation Regulator was appealing for assistance after a juvenile sub-Antarctic fur seal was euthanised shortly after being found injured on Lake Bunga Beach, near Lakes Entrance, on 17 September.
At about 8am that day, a member of the public had spotted the baby seal, which was then resting and unharmed, and reported it to Zoos Victoria’s marine response unit who recorded the information and monitored it, Crime Stoppers said.
But when the witness returned at around 6pm, they reported that the seal had facial wounds and serious back injuries, and said it was surrounded by human and dog footprints.
They also reported the presence of a large stick next to the animal that was not previously there.
“A qualified vet assessed the seal and discovered a spinal fracture and multiple rib fractures. The animal was subsequently euthanised due to the severity of the injuries,” Crime Stoppers said.
Two days after the injuries were reported, Gippsland resident Anne Kaiser said in a Facebook post that she was heartbroken when she came across the seal.
“I went back in the afternoon to check on the little dude and seeing him in such agony broke my heart,” she said.
“The little guy had no chance he got euthanized [sic] the next day.”
Crime Stoppers said experts at Melbourne zoo would conduct a necropsy on the seal to better understand the injuries which led to its death.
Under Victorian law, it is an offence to harm, disturb, touch or go within 30 metres of a seal on land. The maximum penalty under the state’s wildlife legislation is $49,397 or 12 months in prison under the pre Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.
Crime Stoppers said pet owners face additional penalties of up to $4,939 if their dog chases, attacks, or injures wildlife.
Guardian Australia has contacted the conservation regulator for comment.
