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Duncan Baker wants Norfolk beach dog ban to help seals

PA Media Seal colony at Horsey, NorfolkPA Media
Seals give birth on the north Norfolk coast during the winter months until mid-January

An MP has called for dogs to be banned from beaches when seals are pupping.

North Norfolk's Duncan Baker said a bylaw could be introduced to keep dogs away during seal birthing season, which runs from November to January.

Speaking during a seal protection debate in Parliament on Tuesday, Mr Baker said a bylaw did not require legislation.

He said: "The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) can quite often create bylaws.

"If the Minister is unable to create legislation to deal with this issue, I wonder whether the MMO could introduce bylaws in certain locations to help to stop seal disturbances."

PA Media Mother with seal at Horsey, NorfolkPA Media
Some 4,000 pups were born in colonies covering the Norfolk coast

The MP praised the Friends of Horsey Seals (FoHS) who provide volunteer stewards to steer visitors and dogs away from the seals.

Visitors are asked to keep their dogs on leads while pups are ashore in the winter months.

Ian Capper/Geograph Public on Horsey beach where seal colony can be seenIan Capper/Geograph
After the pups are weaned, a closer approach is permitted, but visitors are still asked by wardens to stay at least 10m (33ft) away

Earlier this month, North Norfolk District Norfolk council voted to introduce signs banning plastic throwing rings, despite not having the ability to enforce a ban.

Andrew Terrell A seal with a ring around its neckAndrew Terrell
North Norfolk District Council wants shops to stop selling the rings as part of a move to help protect seals

North Norfolk has some of the largest seal colonies in Europe, with an average of 3,000 pups born annually.

This winter 4,000 baby grey seals were counted along Norfolk's beaches by FoHS.

Seals are protected in the UK and it is an offence to take, injure or kill a seal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

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