Grey seals are cute, but they are also wild animals and they deserve our respect. But at the moment they aren't getting it. The grey seal colony of St. Mary's Island near Whitley Bay is being harassed by tourists wanting to get a closer look — or worse.
Earlier this month, visitors to the
St. Mary's Island Nature Reserve caught a group of heartless individuals taunting a young seal perched on the high rocks of the reserve.
As the thugs get closer they begin to throw rocks at it. Finally the seal is so scared that it resorts to throwing itself off the edge and into the water below. But they don't stop there, the jerks
continue to harass more wildlife as they go on their nature reserve rampage. Last year, a similar instance took place at the same park. Park goers filmed several seals throwing themselves off the cliffs from heights of up to 16 feet to escape tourists who wanted to get closer to the marine mammals.
Despite several warnings, some visitors to the park refuse to treat the seals like wild animals rather than play toys. This needs to stop. Luckily, the thugs harassing the seals this year were caught on tape. Authorities should have all the evidence they need to find and prosecute them.
If law enforcement ignores this type of casual cruelty it will only persist. That's why these animal abusers must be found so that an example can be made and to send a message to other would-be abusers.
Please sign the petition and ask Northumbria Police to find the people responsible and punish them for their despicable behavior.
Photo credit:
Henry Burrows / Flickr
