With the grey seal pupping season that starts in September to October well under way, volunteers and members of the public are asked to be on the alert when visiting beaches and keep a look out for seal pups.

If anyone comes across a pup, keep a distance from the animal as the mother may be nearby and any disturbance will drive her to abandon the pup. If it is felt that the pup has been separated from its mother due to disruption, or is injured or in stress, then contact the The Irish Seal Sanctuary (ISS) at 8354370, leave a clear message and contact number and a volunteer will get back to you as soon as possible.

Don’t be tempted to put the animal back in the water as this may result in the death of the animal. Never try to pet or handle the animal, as seals are wild animals and will bite. Seals are lactose intolerant and must never be fed cow’s milk– this could cause serious medical problems to the pup.
This is also a reminder to local dog owners, who enjoy a stroll with their pets on the beaches, in Sandymount, Merrion, Shellybanks and Poolbeg area to be vigilant and minimise any disturbance to the Brent geese.

People are also asked that dogs be kept under control in Sean Moore Park, and in the Nature Park and kept on a lead.

Over the next few months the Brent Geese will be over-wintering in our mild climate, having arrived from as far-off as Greenland. These geese who are feeding on the shoreline at present will move onto the grass areas in January to fatten up before they make their journey home in March or April.

Dogs can cause a disturbance to their feeding habits and people are asked to minimise the disturbance to the geese by keeping their dogs under control.