Gunshot seals wash up in Australia

Five fur seals with gunshot wounds have washed up dead on an Australian beach.

They were found by locals and park rangers on a beach in Booderee National Park 120 miles south of Sydney.

New South Wales state Environment Minister Bob Debus called the killings a "sickening and disturbing act".

Police and animal welfare officials are calling for information to assist with investigations into the incident.

"I am at a loss to understand why anyone would want to deliberately and cruelly harm these magnificent creatures," Debus said.

"This is a sickening and disturbing act and I appeal to the community for anyone with any information ... to immediately contact authorities."

Australian and New Zealand fur seal species, which congregate in the region, are listed as vulnerable under the New South Wales' Threatened Species Conservation Act.

Penalties for harming the creatures include fines and jail sentences of up to 12 months.