Seals with apparent gunshot wounds wash up on Cork beaches

Eight seals have been reported dead in the last nine days from the Ardnahinch, Ballycotton and Shanagarry areas of Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

There has been a “huge rise” in the number of dead seals recorded across Ireland, an animal welfare charity has confirmed, as some of the animals appear to have injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.

Seal Rescue Ireland, a group dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick, injured, and orphaned seals, has recorded a considerable rise in the number of the marine mammals appearing on their ‘dead seal database’.