Attack on seal reported within hours of warning signs being posted

AN alleged dog attack on a yearling seal at Ocean Grove has prompted calls for owners to be more vigilant when walking pets on the beach.

The attack is said to have occurred on Tuesday afternoon only two hours after warning signs had been put up to try to protect the seal. It’s believed a dog attacked the seal at Collendina.

Barwon Coast community liaison and education manager Maddie Glynn said, despite certain local beaches being marked officially off-lead, the safety of native wildlife took precedence.

“None of it is deliberate, it’s just that dogs react differently when they come across a seal,” she said. “When your dog is away from you, you cannot control your dog when they see these animals.”

The attack was reported to Barwon Coast and the seal was later spotted heading back into the water.

Barwon Coast has advised dog owners to check before a walk to ensure the shore is clear of wildlife; to walk dogs on a leash during the peak wildlife period of August to April; or to walk at a recreational reserve and other approved parklands.

“November is the peak yearling time where we get last season’s pups coming ashore and they have to work out how to survive,” Ms Glynn said.

“They come ashore to rest and they can’t get that, so they’re already compromised and, by all of this other stuff going on, they don’t stand a chance.”