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RSPCA issues warning to anyone going for beach walk around UK coastline

The animal welfare charity shared a message for members of the public who could spot animals in distress

[Family Walking Along Path Through Sand Dunes Together]

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The animal welfare charity shared advice for the public (stock photo)(Image: Getty)

The RSPCA has shared advice for nature lovers in the UK who enjoy beach walks. As the animal welfare charity has pointed out, walkers sometimes spot seal pups left alone on beaches - and knowing what to do if you spot an injured animal could help save a life in an emergency.

The RSPCA recently intervened to help two seals nicknamed Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett by rescuers. Sharing the story's happy ending in a Facebook post, the RSPCA wrote: "No stand-up, just rest and recovery for Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett.

"They arrived at RSPCA Mallydams Wood Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre weak and unwell, but after expert care, theyre now thriving! Rob has extra star quality, as his all-black coat comes from melanism, giving him a unique look. The boys are smashing their rehab and heading for the big pool soon."

The animal charity also signposted its webpage with advice for members of the public who spot a seal in distress. Offering advice, the RSPCA warned the public to keep their distance when they find a seal pup. However, there is a helpline people are asked to contact if it looks like the animal is in trouble.

The RSPCA explained that seals commonly leave their pups resting on the beach while they hunt for food. The charity said: "If youve spotted a baby seal alone on a beach dont panic.

"Seal pups are often left alone on the beach while their mums hunt for fish. In fact, mums leave their pups to fully fend for themselves quite early on, when theyre as young as a month old or younger!

"However, sometimes a seal pup being left on its own can be a sign that somethings wrong. Baby seals can become separated from their mothers by storms, or human interference, and others may not feed properly and need help."

According to the RSPCA, a healthy seal pup will look plump and sausage-shaped with no visible neck. If a seal looks thin and has a visible neck, like a dog, it could be unwell. The RSPCA advice continued: "If you think a baby seal is sick or injured, watch from a safe distance and contact us on 0300 1234 999.

[Sometimes rescuers need to intervene to help seal pups (stock photo)]

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Sometimes rescuers need to intervene to help seal pups (stock photo)(Image: Getty)

"Otherwise, the seal should be left alone as the mother seal is highly likely to be monitoring nearby. It is not unusual for seal cubs to be washed ashore and interference is likely to cause distress. Dont try and coax the seal pup into the water. They might get scared, injure themselves, get washed out by strong currents, or even bite!"

More information is available on the RSPCA website. The RSPCA adds you could also call British Divers Marine Life Rescue on 01825 765 546.

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