Calls to strengthen laws as seal pups are 'continuously hampered'
Watch ITV Cymru Wales' report by Kelsey Redmore
A petition has been created to strengthen laws to protect seal pups on beaches in Wales and England.
The proposed law would protect seals against dog attacks as well as disturbance from both humans and their pets, making it illegal to touch, feed, chase or worry a seal.
Seal sightings are increasing across the country and this has led to more frequent and sometimes deadly interactions between the public and their pets.
The UK is home to 38% of the world’s population of grey seals and 30% of the European subspecies of common seals.
Seals are currently protected under relevant wildlife legislation but Terry Leadbetter from the Welsh Marine Life Rescue doesn't believe the legislation goes far enough to protect them.
He said: "The law as it stands at the moment is that it's an offence to wilfully kill or willfully cause injury to a seal, and that basically is it.
"But that doesn't cover disturbance of pupping areas or seals on beaches and we know from this last year in particular where we've had an increased amount of visitors, that the seals have been continuously hampered."
The petition has been backed by the charity who says more seal pups are having to be rescued due to people and animals getting too close to them and even injuring them.
Seal pups can be left by their mothers if people get too close.
Terry added that pups which haul out on popular tourist beaches, because they are either ill or exhausted are being dragged back into the sea by misinformed members of the public.
A UK Government spokesperson said: "The UK has a strong track record in marine conservation, and places great importance in ensuring that the appropriate protection and management is in place for marine species.
"The UK Government recognises that disturbance by the public can be detrimental, and on occasion, fatal to seals. Work to explore the possibility of strengthening legislation is in early stages."