A baby seal fur euthanised after it was found with critical injuries on beach

A baby seal fur found with critical injuries on a Victorian beach was allegedly attacked in a sickening act.

A baby fur seal has been euthanised after it was found on a Victorian beach with a fractured spine and broken ribs.

The juvenile sub-Antarctic fur seal was found by Lake’s Entrance resident Anne Kaiser on Bunga Beach, about 318km east of Melbourne on September 17.

Ms Kaiser notified authorities about the animal and went to check back on the “little dude” later in the day.

She said on social media that her heart broke seeing him in agony.

A Crime Stoppers spokesperson said Ms Kaiser went back to the beach about 6pm and found the fur seal with facial wounds and serious back injuries.

The juvenile sub-Antarctic fur seal was found with critical injuries on Lake Bunga Beach. Picture: Crime Stoppers Victoria

The seal’s spine was fractured and several ribs were broken. Picture: Crime Stoppers Victoria

The spokesperson said human and dog footprints were also surrounding the animal.

“(The resident) also stated seeing a large stick next to the animal that wasn’t previously there,” the spokesperson said.

The fur seal was euthanised after a vet found its spine had been fractured and several ribs broken.

Ms Kaiser said the little guy had no chance of surviving.

“This matter is now under investigation by authorities and evidence has been collected,” she said.

“It really hurt me seeing little ‘Sammy’ so peaceful, then just a few hours later the damage we humans can cause.”

The Conservation Regulator is investigating the incident and Melbourne Zoo will conduct a necropsy to determine how the baby fur seal died.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers.

Originally published as A baby seal fur euthanised after it was found with critical injuries on beach