SSPCA warns on seal pups

THE Scottish SPCA is urging people to leave seal pups alone this winter unless they are sick, injured or orphaned.

The animal welfare charity is warning that people could be doing more harm than good by approaching or picking the pups up, and are advising anyone who sees a pup on the shore that may need help to contact its animal helpline.

Manager of the charity's Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fife, Colin Seddon, said: "A mother grey seal will leave her pup on land while she is out feeding because it cannot swim very well until it has lost all of its white fur. If her pup is touched or moved then there is a good chance she will abandon it."

The plea comes following the rescue of a newborn seal pup that was found injured on the shore at Tyninghame in East Lothian.