21 December 2012: The Irish Seal Sanctuary is calling for swift action by the National Parks and Wildlife Service after the discovery of another four decapitated seals in Tramore this afternoon.
This morning the Irish Seal Sanctuary reported that eight dead seals were found during the past few days in Wexford and Waterford – six near Fethard on Sea, one near Dunmore East and one decapitated seal in Tramore. This latest news brings the total number of observed dead seals to twelve.
‘We’re calling for the NPWS, who are the responsible statutory authority, to act quickly to investigate the deaths,’ said Johnny Woodlock, spokesperson for the Irish Seal Sanctuary. ‘The situation is very concerning and we need to find out why the seals are dying.’
Earlier this year two seals came ashore in Tramore with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds and had to be euthanised on the beach.
Seals are a protected species under national and European law.
Mr Woodlock thanked the members of the public and the Waterford Marine Rescue who collectively reported the twelve dead seals. He is asking the public to continue to report dead seals sightings. Please contact the Irish Seal Sanctury through their website (www.irishsealsanctuary.ie) or send an email with any photos to jwoodlock@eircom.net. Photos can help identify the species and sex of the seal as well as any obvious injuries.
