POLICE are investigating after a seal was found shot dead.
Colchester Council staff spotted the seal washed up at Mersea and recovered the body.
Essex Wildlife Trust and Essex Police were called as it is illegal to shoot seals without a licence and none have been issued along the county's coast.
A licence can be obtained if seals are damaging fishing gear or nets.
Darren Tansley, water for wildlife officer at Essex Wildlife Trust, said: "We don’t know for certain whether this injury was from a gun but if someone out there is now deliberately targeting a species of conservation concern it is a very disappointing development.
"As part of our Living Seas campaign I would urge the public to report any dead seals to either ourselves or the police so we can examine them before they are destroyed."
- Anyone with information should contact Essex Police Wildlife Crime Officer PC Andy Long at wildlife@essex.pnn.police.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel