Fury grows over savage seal abuse
SHOCKING cellphone footage of a seal pup being beaten, stabbed and tossed around by two fishermen has emerged – with a criminal complaint laid yesterday.
The incident, described as barbaric by investigators, triggered a probe by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, the SPCA and police.
It is believed the attack – which Bayworld marine biologist Dr Greg Hofmeyr said the young seal was unlikely to have survived – took place in the Saldanha Bay area in the Western Cape.
The graphic footage emerged online on Monday after several tip-offs to the SPCA.
Investigations revealed that the video was shot in December.
Yesterday, the SPCA, which confirmed it had laid criminal complaints, identified both the man allegedly attacking the seal and his colleague filming the incident.
The Herald has decided not to name the fishermen until they appear in court.
The footage showed two men aboard a boat, called the Sea Hawk, continuously beating and stabbing a Cape fur seal pup.
During the disturbing two-minute clip, the seal frantically tries to climb off the boat as it is being slashed with a knife and beaten.
One of the fishermen then grabs the pup by the neck and throws it against the boat’s deck.
At one stage, the man taking the video tells his accomplice to give the seal a beer. He grabs the pup’s hind flippers, lifts it off the ground and tries to pour beer into its mouth while it tries to wriggle free.
Before the video ends, the man holds the seal over the ledge of the boat before swinging it over his head and then smashing it back onto the deck.
West Coast and Swartland SPCA chairwoman Colette Mang said in a statement: “On Monday we were alerted to a video that depicted the horrific beating and stabbing of a poor little baby seal.
“We, as were many of the public who saw the video on social media, were sickened at this blatant display of cruelty.
“On further investigation, and with the help of concerned citizens, we were able to identify the [alleged] perpetrator.
“As a result we have been able to gather enough evidence to lay charges in terms of the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962 against . . . the
man seen on the video abusing the seal. Charges have also been laid against [the man who allegedly] filmed the appalling scene.”
Mang said while the complaint against the first man was “obvious as he can be seen beating and hitting the baby seal, his colleague was as guilty in terms of the act as he did nothing to stop the violent abuse”.
Cape of Good Hope SPCA inspector Alwyn Marais said the organisation had launched an investigation following several phone calls and e-mails.
“Not knowing where the area was that it took place, we launched the probe. As the day went on, we established that it occurred in the Saldanha Bay area,” he said.
“I have been an inspector for eight years and have seen very horrific incidents involving animals.
“This is right up there as one of the worst. It is clear that these guys were out at sea, thought they were untouchable and no one could see them – so they could do what they want. “It is clear that they were drinking.” Mang said the organisation was confident justice would be served.
Western Cape Environmental Affairs director of compliance Tots Dlulane said his department would meet role-players including police, Sea Fisheries and Cape Nature inspectors.
Zolile Nqayi, of the Department of Environmental Affairs, called the video “gruesome” and confirmed that it was investigating the matter and would be laying additional charges.
Hofmeyr said the animal was a Cape fur seal, probably a year or two old.
“This is a traumatic video and it is fortunate that it was leaked. The law must act swiftly and an example must be made. It is a barbaric act,” he said.
Hofmeyr said the attack would have caused serious injury or death.
He said there had been unconfirmed reports of commercial fishermen shooting at seals out at sea.
“But this incident is much more personal. These men can see the evidence of their actions, and are laughing.”
Western Cape provincial spokeswoman Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana said last night: “At this stage no criminal case had been opened on the matter.”