Incidents of brutality toward seals appear to be on the rise since the rabies virus was detected in the Cape fur seal population early this year. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment says it is concerned about increasing incidents of harassment of Cape fur seals by members of the public along the coast.
According to the department, these incidents include allowing dogs to approach and/or attack resting seals; throwing stones at seals; enticing seals to chase people for social media footage, teasing seals for photo opportunities; hitting seals and feeding seals for financial gain to allow for photo opportunities with seals.
The Department has therefore emphasised that the activities currently occurring at Hout Bay harbour constitute harassment and illegal feeding, which are criminal offences.
To avoid prosecution and to ensure public safety, members of the public are asked not to participate in these illegal activities.
“Cape fur seals are abundant and play a fundamental role in the marine system. The vast majority are living healthy lives.”
However, The department has urged the public to stay away from seals if they spot them along the coast, especially if it is alone and away from other seals, appear weak, unwell or aggressive, and do not show the seal’s typical flee response on approach.
If seals do show signs of unusual behaviour, they should be treated with caution, as there is a small but significant chance that the seal could be infected with rabies.
“If this is the case, the seal may act unpredictably towards members of the public and/ or their dogs.”
In these cases, the authorities should be informed immediately, and the public should keep a distance of at least 15 meters.
The department has requested that when the public walk their dogs on the beach, they always keep their dogs on a lead to avoid the dog approaching and/or attacking the seal. Such attacks are labelled as criminal conduct but may also enable the spread of the rabies virus if the dog is bitten.
Additionally, the Threatened or Protected Marine Species Regulations, 2017, has listed seals as a protected species.
“Therefore, the types of physical interaction with, and feeding of seals described above, are not only dangerous for the humans and seals involved but prohibited and therefore a criminal offence.”
There are measures in place to rehabilitate or provide medical care to any seal should the need arise, as well as to handle suspected rabies cases. The public should report any concerns they have to the Department at 0800 205 005, the SPCA at 021 700 4158/9 or the City of Cape Town at 021 480 7700.
