Seal injured by dog in Whitby

It's alleged a man was encouraging his pet to attack the animal.

Author: Jon BurkePublished 25th May 2021
Last updated 25th May 2021

British Divers Marine Life Rescue says it's had to rescue an injured seal on the Yorkshire coast.

It was called out again to Whitby, after another report of a dog attacking a seal while the owner stood by and watched.

The call came in via police just after 8am yesterday, from a member of the public, who witnessed a man encouraging his dog to attack the seal.

Upon arrival, a volunteer found bloody discharge down the slipway and around the seal's head, where it lay with laboured breathing and was gasping through its mouth.

A video was sent to the BDMLR vet and a decision to lift was made, as she was not happy with its breathing

With nobody else available to assist, a medic managed to restrain the 37kg seal, with the assistance of a member of public.

The seal was then transferred to a vets for assessment and is now at Tynemouth seal hospital.

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