An injured seal pup who attracted the attention of two dogs on an Edinburgh beach is recovering in the Scottish SPCA’s care.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted after the grey seal was discovered behind sewage works at Seafield on Thursday (13 November).
The four week old female is now being looked after at the charity’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Clackmannanshire. Staff have named her Pandia.
Animal Rescue Officer Fiona Thorburn said, “I arrived just in time as two dogs were about to approach Pandia.
“Thankfully the owner was there and was able to get them back on their leads before any harm was done.
“It’s a popular beach with members of the public and especially dog walkers, meaning it wasn’t a safe place for Pandia to be.
“Although this beach isn’t a recognised pupping ground and it was unusual for a seal to be there, we would urge dog owners to be careful and make sure that if there are any wild animals nearby their pets are kept on a lead.
“Pandia had a couple of wounds, likely a result of being thrown against rocks due to high seas, so I decided to take her to our National Wildlife Rescue Centre for treatment and care.”
Centre manager Colin Seddon said, “Pandia is recovering from her traumatic experience.
“She has a swollen flipper but is responding to treatment and doing well.
“We are hopeful we will be able to release her back to the wild once she is fully fit and able to fend for herself.”
Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
Photograph by Scottish SPCA
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
