4 July 2016

Seal snatched on Hokitika Beach

On Saturday 2nd of July, Department of Conservation staff were alerted to a young seal pup being driven at high speeds on a quad bike on Hokitika Beach.

A witness described the driver of the quad bike as a dark haired average to tall male in his late teens or early twenties. He was reportedly driving up and down the length of Hokitika beach on a red quad bike, speeding and doing wheelies.

Ian McClure, Hokitika Operations Manager for the Department of Conservation said that the seal pup was dumped on the beach by the driver of the quad bike, and was stressed, hypothermic and in a bad state. “With no mother in sight, and the pup unweaned, it was highly unlikely to survive on its own, so the sad decision was made to euthanize the pup”.

“Most residents in Hokitika love the natural environment and wildlife, and it is disturbing and very sad that someone would do this to an animal.”

The plight of the seal pup was reported to DOC by tourists who witnessed the incident.

This is an offence punishable under the Marine Mammals Act and carries a penalty of up to $250,000 and/or two years in jail.

DOC are conducting an investigation into the incident and would welcome any information about the case.

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