Donal Hickey: Keep your distance from seals — even the cutest pups

With pupping season in full swing along Ireland’s coastline, Seal Rescue Ireland is calling on the public to give seals the space they need in a new short film starring Irish comedy favourites Justine Stafford, Karl Spain, and Jamie Sykes

It’s the season when people walking on beaches are likely to come across seals, so an appeal from Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI) is timely — do not disturb them.

With the grey seal pupping season now taking place along the coastline, seals spend a lot of time on the shore. If people get too close, it causes stress, or even injury, and may frighten them into abandoning their pups.

One of the biggest threats to the pups' survival is human disturbance, says SRI, adding that if a seal is looking at you, you’re already too close. Keep dogs on leads, remain at least 100 metres away, and never block a seal’s escape route to the sea.

In a new, short film starring Irish comedy favourites, Justine Stafford, Karl Spain and Jamie Sykes, with Spain playing a seal, SRI is calling on the public to give seals the space they need. 

The 90-second comedy film delivers an important message with a humorous twist: if you see a seal on the shoreline, stay back and let it rest. If you think the seal needs help, then call their hotline.

Clara De Brun, SRI spokesperson, says: “Every year, well-meaning members of the public approach seal pups on the beach, not realising the harm it can cause. This film is a vital reminder that keeping your distance can save a seal’s life."

The 90-second comedy film stars Limerick comedian Karl Spain as a seal pup with Justine Stafford and Jamie Sykes as walkers who spot the 'pup' on the shore

Though seals are protected under Irish and EU wildlife laws, illegal culls have taken place over the years, including the area around the Blasket Islands, in County Kerry. Conservationists have pointed the finger of blame for that at people in the commercial fishing industry. Fishers claim seals take fish caught in their nets.

In some cases, scores of seals have been shot, or bludgeoned, to death.

As a young man in the second half of the 19th century, one of the Blasket writers, Tomás Ó Criomhthain, took part in seal hunts. In his 1929 book, The Islandman, he gives a graphic, chilling account of a hunt during which the animals were clubbed to death.

Seal Rescue Ireland is a charity dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick, injured, or orphaned seals. SRI runs a 24-Hour Rescue Line, supported by just over 600 Rescue Network Volunteers who help to assess, and transport seals to their care

Islanders used seal oil for lighting purposes; every barrel of seal meat was worth a barrel of pork and the skins fetched £8. “It’s odd the way the world changes. Nobody would put a bit of seal meat in his mouth today," O Criomhthain wistfully wrote.

He also noted that caves on Innisvickillaun, owned by ex-taoiseach, Charlie Haughey, were famous for seals.

Finally, the SRI, based in Courtown, County Wexford, is the Republic’s only seal rehabilitation centre. If you think a seal pup needs help, you can call the centre’s 24/7 rescue hotline: [phone]