A SERIOUSLY injured seal was found with fishing line wrapped round her neck near Dunbar.
The female seal was spotted on the beach next to John Muir Country Park by a member of the public on Saturday (February 6).
The seal had been found lying on the beach trapped in the line, which was also wrapped around her neck.
Now, the Scottish SPCA has issued a warning over discarded fishing and rope line.
Steve Gray, Scottish SPCA National Wildlife Rescue Centre manager, told the Courier that fishing or roping line could cause “life-threatening injuries” to wild animals.
The injured seal was spotted near John Muir Country Park. Picture: Scottish SPCA
He said: “Unfortunately it can take a number of days for wildlife to succumb to an injury such as this.
“If anyone does find a wild animal trapped in any sort of wire or rope, our advice is not to approach them but to call our animal helpline.
“Sometimes it can be hard to spot wire wrapped around flesh as it may be so tight that it’s hard to see.
“The animals will almost always need immediate attention from our vets.
The injured seal was spotted near John Muir Country Park. Picture: Scottish SPCA
“We would urge those who use fishing line, rope, netting or any form of wire to please make sure you take this away with you.
“It can have a detrimental effect on a number of different animals through becoming tangled or by ingesting it.
“If anyone spots a wild animal in need of our help then please call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
The seal is currently receiving treatment at the charity's National Wildlife Rescue Centre.
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