A seal pup found injured on an East Lothian beach has tragically had to be put to sleep, Scotland's animal welfare charity has confirmed.
The baby seal was discovered washed up on the beach between Barns Ness lighthouse and Skateraw on November 23, Edinburgh Live reports.
In a picture taken by its rescuer, the fluffy pup can be seen facing up the beach, lying with its face on a rock.
They warned dog walkers to be aware of the seal's location but also alerted the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) who sent a member of their team to come and inspect the poorly pup.
However, the in pup was found to have had an injury to its eye and on further inspection had more serious health issues which meant it had to put down.
Scottish SPCA senior animal rescue officer, Melissa Maitland, said, “We were alerted to an injured seal pup on the beach near to Barns Ness lighthouse.
“The seal had a severe wound to their eye and, on examination by a vet at our National Wildlife Rescue Centre, was found to have other serious health issues which meant they had to be put to sleep on welfare grounds.
“We would advise members of the public that if they come across a seal pup they keep their distance from the animal, keep any dogs on the lead and call our helpline on 03000 999 999 for advice.”
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