Investigations into the shocking death of a baby seal have revealed that a “dog or predator” most likely broke its spine.
The juvenile subantarctic fur seal was found with critical injuries at Bunga Beach, near Lakes Entrance, in eastern Victoria, on September 17.
Local resident Anne Kaiser came across the puppy, whom she named ‘Sammy’, resting on the shore earlier that day before returning to discover it had been attacked.
Sammy had suffered serious injuries to his face and back and it was later revealed that he also had a fractured spine and several broken ribs.
The puppy had to be put down due to injuries, prompting an investigation by Victoria Police.
An autopsy by Melbourne Zoo experts concluded the injuries were consistent with a “crushing bite… from a large dog or predator,” a Crime Stoppers spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
The examination also discovered several deep and severe “tears and punctures” in the muscles of his back, lending further credence to a dog attack.
The spokesman added that it is not unusual for dog bites to cause deep wounds without perforations in the skin because seals “have very robust and flexible skin.”
A post-mortem on a subantarctic fur seal pup has revealed its horrific injuries were “more consistent” with a dog attack. He is shown resting on the beach before being seriously injured.
The juvenile seal (pictured) had to be put down because it had suffered a broken spine and several ribs during the shocking attack.
Victoria Police and the state’s conservation regulator have urged anyone with information to come forward.
Mrs Kaiser said seeing Sammy in agony had left her heartbroken.
‘He was allegedly attacked by a dog and its human. “His spine was broken in half, just to name one of his injuries,” he wrote on Facebook.
A Crime Stoppers spokesperson previously said human and dog tracks had been seen around the seal.
‘A qualified veterinarian assessed the seal and discovered a spinal fracture and multiple rib fractures. “The animal was later euthanized due to the severity of the injuries,” they said.
‘(The resident) also claimed to have seen a large stick next to the animal that was not there before.
“This matter is being investigated by the authorities and evidence has been collected.”
A local resident was horrified to discover that the baby seal had suffered serious facial injuries (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 been broken in half (X-ray is shown in the photo)
The Conservation Regulator’s investigation into the incident is ongoing.
All wildlife, including seals, are protected by Victorian law, and it is illegal to harm, disturb, touch or come within 30 meters of them on land.
Violators can face fines of more than $49,000 or 12 months in prison if convicted 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.
