Title: Dog Owners Warned to Control Their Pets After Seal Pup Incident on Mablethorpe Beach
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Dog owners are being admonished by Lincolnshire Police to ensure their pets are properly controlled, following an incident where a seal pup was ‘nipped’ by dogs on Mablethorpe beach. The event took place around 05:30 BST last Tuesday. Detective Constable Aaron Flint, a wildlife crime officer with Lincolnshire Police, mentioned that the dog’s owner may be asked to donate to the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary for the seal’s treatment, which may total around £5,000. Even though the pup did not exhibit any visible bite marks, Det Con Flint underscored the necessity for using leads if dogs do not have reliable recall capabilities. ‘This issue forms part of a broader concern tackled by Operation Seabird, a nationwide initiative focusing on similar incidents. It is essential to educate owners about their responsibilities to prevent such occurrences,’ he stated. Alford & Mablethorpe Police reported that the owner was able to leash one dog, but the second dog, sporting a red muzzle, persisted in its behaviour until finally restrained by the owner. Dennis Drew, a director at the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary, reiterated that the seal is currently undergoing treatment and is slated to be released back into the wild upon recovery. He cautioned beach visitors to ensure their dogs are well trained to commands, as dogs are innately guided by instinct.
This report has been adapted for The Lincoln Post from original coverage by www.bbc.com.
