The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has expressed concern over increasing incidents of harassment by the public against Cape fur seals along the coast.

According to the ministry, incidents of brutality towards seals appear to be increasing since the rabies virus was detected in the Cape fur seal population.

These incidents include allowing dogs to approach and/or attack resting seals; throwing stones at seals; trick seals into chasing people for pictures on social media, teasing them for photo ops; hitting seals; feeding the seals for financial gain to enable photo ops with the seals.

Cape fur seals are abundant and play a fundamental role in the marine system.

“The vast majority lead a healthy lifestyle. If a seal is on land in a public place, away from the colony or other seals and appears in any way weak, sick or aggressive, and does not show a species-appropriate flight response When approaching, it should be treated with caution, as there is a small but significant risk of the seal becoming infected with the rabies virus.

“If this is the case, the seal may act unpredictably towards members of the public and/or their dogs. In these cases, the authorities must be informed immediately and the public must keep a distance of at least 15 meters.

“It is requested that when the public walks their dogs on the beach, they keep them on a leash at all times to prevent the dog from approaching and/or attacking the seal, which again constitutes criminal behavior but can also allow the spread of the rabies virus if the dog is bitten,” the department said on Sunday.

The ministry reminded the public that the Threatened or Protected Marine Species Regulations (2017) classify seals as protected species.

Therefore, the types of physical interaction and feeding of seals described above are not only dangerous to humans and the seals involved, but they are also prohibited and therefore a criminal offense.

The ministry highlighted that the activities currently taking place at Hout Bay Port constitute harassment and illegal feeding, which constitute criminal offences.

“In order to avoid prosecution and ensure public safety, members of the public are asked not to participate in these illegal activities.

“Measures are in place to rehabilitate or provide medical care to any seal when needed, as well as to treat suspected cases of rabies,” the department said.

The public should therefore report any concerns they have to the department on 0800 205 005, the SPCA 021 700 4158/9 or the City of Cape Town on 021 480 7700. – SAnews.gov.za