The RSPCA verified that a seal that was discovered to be “dehydrated and severely emaciated” after being seen swimming in a canal was put down.
A female adult seal was seen swimming in Newton-le-Willows’ Sankey Canal last week, eventually coming to rest near the Havannah Flashes between Newton, Haydock, and Parr.
Seals can swim great distances inland in pursuit of food or because they are confused, even though they typically reside in marine habitats.
When an animal is ill, elderly, or nearing the end of its life, it frequently ends up inland.
The wellbeing of the seal was a worry for many locals, and there were also rumors that “children and young adults” had been “attacking” and hurling stones at the seal.
Cllr. Seve Gomez-Aspron of Newton-le-Willows East stated in an update released on Monday that although the seal was still alive, it was “not in good condition.”
