Wally the Walrus prompts massive clampdown on coast visitors
Date of alert:
Tuesday, 12 April 2022
Crime Ref:
Force:
Wales - Gwent Police
Observe but don’t disturb.
This is the message that police and RSPCA officials are sending out following last Easter’s debacle when Wally the Walrus was relentlessly hounded by photo-hunters.
“It wasn’t in the animal’s best interests and it was very concerning to see the lengths that people were going to, to try and get a photo with him,” said RSPCA inspector Andy Broadbent.
People were seen racing up to him on jetskis, paddleboards and surfboards, and sadly the problem is being observed in other coastal areas of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire.
As a result, the animals become stressed, resulting in females suffering spontaneous abortions and young babies being abandoned by their mothers.
Other issues include dogs being allowed off leads which disturb nesting birds and seals, dropped litter which can severely injure seals, beach barbecues which damage beaches and quad bike and 4x4 riders who destroy nesting areas.
