Hunt for vicious dog after fatal attack on juvenile seal at McCrae Beach

A dead seal pup covered in bite wounds was found on a beach in Melbourne’s southeast following a vicious dog attack, as authorities search for the animal responsible. GRAPHIC IMAGES

A seal pup has been found dead on a beach in McCrae after a savage dog attack. Picture: Supplied

A juvenile fur seal has been found dead on a beach in Melbourne’s southeast as a result of a savage dog attack, prompting authorities to launch a search for the animal responsible.

The mammal was discovered by a member of the public on Monday morning in the shallows along McCrae Beach, just north of Rosebud, having suffered fatal bite wounds.

Melbourne Zoo Marine Response Unit attended the beach about 10.30 but the animal had already died from its injuries, which included puncture wounds to its body and flippers.

The juvenile fur seal sustained puncture wounds to its body and flippers. Picture: Supplied

Pet owners face hefty fines if their dog is found to chase, attack or injure wildlife. Picture: Supplied

A post-mortem assessment by a vet confirmed the Australia fur seal had suffered “severe trauma” from a dog attack.

Those responsible for the brutal attack could be fined up to $4,807 under the Wildlife Act 1975, or face either 12 months in prison or penalties up to $48,077 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

It is an offence if your dog chases, attacks or injures wildlife in Victoria.

A post-mortem assessment confirmed the pup died from severe trauma sustained during the attack. Picture: Supplied

Those whose dogs go within 30 metres of a seal may face additional penalties of up to $3846.

The latest dog attack comes after a toddler was seriously injured by a staffy in the backyard of his family home in Ballarat on September 11.

In April, a nurse in her sixties had her ear ripped off in a vicious mauling by a 50kg Bull Arab cross in Bulleen.

Data obtained by the Herald Sun at the time showed there have been at least 2826 reports of vicious attacks, including rushings (snarling and coming close to a person), in the past year.

The Conservation Regulator is urging anyone with information to report it confidentially to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au