Dog walkers warned after seal pup drowns on Welsh coast

Dog walkers are being warned to keep their distance from seals after a pup drowned on the west Wales coast last weekend.

The seal pup drowned off New Quay, Ceredigion, on 5 September, possibly as a result of disturbance by dog walkers.

The pup was seen with a female at New Quay’s Dolau beach early in the morning, and dog walkers were advised to keep their distance.

The seals left the beach and the pup was next seen in the water by the steps at the end of the harbour wall where it was seen at the surface a couple of times before submerging and not resurfacing, presumed drowned.

Melanie Heath, Special Areas of Conservation Officer for Cardigan Bay, said: “Seal pups need space and time to rest and grow, they are fed by their mothers’ for just three weeks before they have to fend for themselves.

“It is vital that during this time they are given space. Disturbance can lead to abandonment and death.”

Councillor Clive Davies, cabinet member for Economy and Regeneration said: “It is very important to remember that these beautiful iconic creatures are wild animals so I urge everyone to follow our Ceredigion Marine Code and keep a distance to enjoy from afar.”