The dead seal 'washed up' in urban Ashford

by James Scott

Mystery surrounds how a dead baby seal ended up in urban Ashford - more than 15 miles from the sea.

The animal, which was less than a metre in length, was found on the grass alongside Brookfield Road, South Ashford, at 9.30pm yesterday.

Jamie Weatherall, 25, of Tournay Close, was walking home with girlfriend Megan Alecks, 18, when they came across the seal.

"When we saw it there, it took us a few minutes to register what we were seeing," he said. "We were just a bit shocked.

"Nobody would expect to see a seal in the middle of Ashford. I've seen one washed up on the beach before but I've never seen one this far inland."

The nearest water source is the River Stour at Victoria Park, while the nearest beach is at Hythe, a 20-minute drive away.

Mr Weatherall called the police, who collected the animal's body and took it to a local vet.

The RSPCA is appealing for information to find out how the seal ended up so far from the sea.

Spokesman Klare Kennett said: "The RSPCA is very concerned that a seal pup has been found by the roadside a long way from water.

"It does look as though it may have been dumped there from a car, so we would like to find out what has happened."

"Our wildlife centres have staff who are expert in caring for these animals and we would never encourage any member of the public to attempt to look after a seal themselves."

Anyone with information can call the RSPCA on 0300 1234999.