[imagesource: Needpix]

The brutal attack on a cape fur seal at Monwabisi Beach in Cape Town occurred in the same week that a seal reportedly attacked beachgoers at Clifton Beach.

Whereas the attack in Clifton was down to an unfortunate bout of red tide algae poisoning causing the seals to act aggressively, it appears that the attack on the seal at Monwabisi was driven by greed.

It has been reported that a traditional healer instigated it, wanting the seal’s body parts for traditional medicine.

SPCA chief inspector Jaco Pieterse confirmed to Daily Maverick that the seal suffered severe injuries to its face and skull and had to be humanely put down.

Police have apprehended four suspects in connection with the incident. They in turn have alleged that a traditional healer approached them whilst pointing out the seal, and offered them R3 000 to kill it.

Instances such as these are rare, but Pieterse noted that seal body parts are washed up on shore from time to time.

Traditional medicines often use animal parts for the treatment of a range of ailments, with seal fat and oil specifically believed to treat wounds and other skin ailments.

““We try to prevent animal cruelty by means of education. However, this attack would not have been prevented with education as there was a specific aim with this attack — to kill the animal for medicinal reasons. ”

The four suspects have been arrested and will be charged with animal cruelty.

The City of Cape Town has again reminded the public that seals are wild animals, and should not be approached or interfered with by any means.

[source:dailymaverick]