The death of an adorable seal pup attacked on a Victoria beach sparks an urgent investigation as a heartbroken resident speaks out: ‘Rest easy little Sammy’

The gruesome death of an injured seal pup that was attacked on a popular Australian beach has sparked an urgent investigation by wildlife authorities.

Victoria Police are appealing for witnesses after the young sub-Antarctic fur seal was found with life-threatening injuries on Bunga Beach, near Lakes Entrance, Victoria.

The baby seal was found resting on the coast, about 318km east of Melbourne, at around 8am on September 17 by local resident Anne Kaiser.

Ms. Kaiser notified authorities and returned to the beach around 6 p.m. to check on the “little guy,” whom she called “Sammy.”

She was horrified to discover that the seal had suffered severe facial wounds and serious back injuries in the hours since her last visit.

A veterinarian found that the animal’s spine was broken and several ribs were broken.

Ms. Kaiser said it broke her heart to see Sammy in agony.

“He was allegedly attacked by a dog and his human.” “His spine broke in half, just to name one of his injuries,” she wrote on Facebook.

A Crime Stoppers spokesman said human footprints and dog paws were discovered around the seal.

“A qualified veterinarian examined the seal and diagnosed a fractured spine and multiple rib fractures. “The animal was subsequently euthanized due to the severity of the injuries,” they said.

“(The resident) also stated that he saw a large stick next to the animal that had not been there before.”

“This matter is currently being investigated by authorities and evidence has been collected.”

Ms. Kaiser wrote that the animal had no chance of survival.

“It really hurt me to see little Sammy so peaceful and just a few hours later to see the damage we humans can cause,” she wrote online.

“RIP little Sammy.”

The Nature Conservancy is investigating the incident and Melbourne Zoo will conduct a necropsy to determine how the seal died.

All wildlife, including seals, are protected under Victorian law and it is illegal to harm, disturb, touch or approach them within 30 meters on land.

Offenders can face fines of more than $49,000 or 12 months in prison if found guilty of animal cruelty, and pet owners can face fines of nearly $5,000 if their pet attacks, injures or preys on wildlife.

The nature conservation authority has asked everyone to do so with information to report confidentially to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.