Public asked to keep their distance after young seal spotted on Monifieth beach

Concern has been raised after a grey seal was spotted on Monifieth beach.

The apparently healthy seal was on the sand on Monday evening and Valerie Angela Smart filmed it and uploaded a video to the Our Monifieth Facebook page.

She suggested it was a baby seal without its mother and urged dogwalkers to keep their pets on a lead to ensure it was not harmed.

Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer Ben Soutar said: “It is likely the seal’s mother was nearby so we advised it should be left alone, stressing we should be made aware if it was still there after 24 hours.“We often rescue seal pups which are healthy but have been abandoned by their mothers because someone has disturbed them.

“A mother grey seal will leave her pup on land while she is out feeding because it cannot swim until it has lost all of its white fur.

“If her pup is touched or moved then there is a good chance she will abandon it.

“Our message to the public is to call our animal helpline for advice or assistance on 03000 999 999 before approaching a seal pup.

“We would also urge dog owners to keep their pets on a lead when in this area.”