Investigations into the shocking death of a seal pup have revealed a ‘dog or predator’ most likely snapped its spine.
The juvenile sub-Antarctic fur seal was found with critical injuries on Bunga Beach near Lakes Entrance in Victoria’s east on September 17.
Local resident Anne Kaiser came across the pup, whom she named ‘Sammy’, resting on the shore earlier that day before returning to find it had been attacked.
Sammy had sustained serious wounds to its face and back and was later revealed to have also had its spine fractured and several ribs broken.
The pup had to be euthanised due to the injuries, sparking an investigation by Victorian Police.
An autopsy by Melbourne Zoo experts concluded the injuries were consistent with a ‘crushing bite … by a large dog or predator’, a Crime Stoppers spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
The examination also uncovered several deep and severe ‘tearing and punctures’ of back muscles, which lends further credence to a dog attack.
The spokesperson added it is not uncommon for dog bites to cause deep injuries without skin punctures because seals ‘have very robust and pliable skin’.
An autopsy on a sub-Antarctic fur seal pup has revealed its horrific injuries were ‘most consistent’ with a dog attack. It’s pictured resting on the beach before it was critically injured
The juvenile seal (pictured) had to be euthanised because it had suffered a fractured spine and several broken ribs during the shocking attack
Victoria Police and the state’s conservation regulator have urged anyone with information to come forward.
Ms Kaiser said seeing Sammy in agony had left her heartbroken.
‘He allegedly was attacked by a dog and its human. His spine snapped in half, just to name one of his injuries,’ she wrote on Facebook.
A Crime Stoppers spokesperson previously said human footprints and dog pawprints had been spotted around the seal.
‘A qualified vet assessed the seal and discovered a spinal fracture and multiple rib fractures. The animal was subsequently euthanised due to the severity of the injuries,’ they said.
‘(The resident) also stated seeing a large stick next to the animal that wasn’t previously there.
‘This matter is now under investigation by authorities and evidence has been collected.’
A local resident was horrified to find the baby seal had suffered serious facial wounds (pictured) and critical back injuries in the hours since she last checked on the animal
Several of Sammy’s ribs were broken and his spine had snapped in half (an x-ray is pictured)
The Conservation Regulator’s investigation into the incident is ongoing.
All wildlife, including seals, are protected under Victorian law, and it is illegal to harm, disturb, touch, or go within 30 metres of them on land.
Offenders can face fines of more than $49,000 or 12 months in prison if found guilty of animal cruelty and pet owners can face fines of almost $5,000 if their pet attacks, injures or chases wildlife.
The Conservation Regulator has urged anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
