A manhunt is underway after a brutal attack on a juvenile seal in Victoria’s east left a veterinarian with no choice but to euthanise the animal.
A walker reported seeing the small sub-Antarctic fur seal unharmed and resting on Lake Bunga Beach, east of Lakes Entrance, about 8am on September 17.
The seal was resting on Lake Bunga Beach before it was found injured.Credit: Crime Stoppers Victoria
Zoos Victoria’s Marine Response Unit agreed to keep an eye on it but about 10 hours later, at 6pm, the walker returned and found the seal with back injuries and wounds to its face.
The animal was surrounded by human and dog footprints, and a large stick — not previously there — was next to it.
A veterinarian assessed the seal and discovered it had critical injuries, including a spinal fracture and multiple broken ribs. The vet euthanised the seal because of the severity of its injuries.
The seal had critical injuries, including a fracture to its spine.Credit: Crime Stoppers Victoria
Melbourne Zoo experts will conduct a necropsy on the seal to better understand the injuries that led to its death, Crime Stoppers Victoria said.
The Conservation Regulator is also investigating the seal’s suspicious injuries.
People who harm seals in Victoria face jail time of up to 12 months, and fines of almost $50,000 under animal cruelty laws. Pet owners face additional fines of almost $5000 if their dog chases, attacks or injures wildlife.
The Conservation Regulator urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here.