Bridlington seal pup's 'devastating' death during fish hook removal surgery sparks RSPCA warning
The RSPCA has issued a stark warning to anglers after a rescued seal from Bridlington tragically died, despite receiving specialist veterinary care to remove a fish hook lodged in the animal’s stomach.
Earlier this year, a young grey seal pup was brought to RSPCA Stapeley Grange after British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) rescued it in Bridlington.
The East Yorkshire pup arrived with an open neck wound, a swollen jaw, and puncture injuries to a flipper.
After a few days of care, the team at Stapley Grange carried out X-rays to ensure no underlying issues would affect her chances of returning to the wild.
The visible injuries were healing well, but the scans revealed something unexpected: a fishing hook sitting in her stomach.
Following detailed discussions with the veterinary team, the RSPCA knew they had to investigate further.
They contacted Eden Vets, a trusted local practice, who confirmed they had the specialist endoscopy equipment needed and were ready to help.
A couple of days later, repeat X-rays showed the hook hadn’t moved, so the decision was made to transfer the pup to Eden Vets.
While the Eden team worked carefully to locate and remove the hook using the endoscope, the Stapeley team closely monitored the pup throughout the anaesthetic.
The hook had lodged in the stomach wall and proved difficult to remove, but after careful manoeuvring, it was successfully retrieved.
If left where it was, the hook could have caused stomach perforation, subsequent peritonitis/sepsis, or slow starvation due to painful gastric ulceration.
As the Eden team began to pull the hook out, the pup suddenly crashed.
The Stapeley team had to act quickly to resuscitate her. It was a tense time, but after further support and monitoring for over an hour and a half, she was stabilised enough to return her to Stapeley Grange.
Thanks to the dedication and skill of both teams, the hook was removed with no obvious internal damage.
The team was on top of the world post-op, but despite everyone’s best efforts, the pup's condition deteriorated the next day and she passed away.
Kate Sloan, senior vet at Eden Vets, said “This was a special opportunity for our team to use our skills and equipment to help this gorgeous seal.
“It was devastating for all involved when she didn’t make it the next day, but nevertheless it was a great experience of two teams using their time and expertise to work together in a way they rarely do.
“A charity case that was good for the souls of all involved, Eden Vets was proud to be involved.”
Lee Stewart, wildlife centre manager at Stapeley Grange, said: “Discarded fishing equipment can be so hazardous for wildlife and it was very sad for that in spite of all our efforts - working with partner agencies such as the BDMLR and local vets - that we were unable to save this seal.
“These incidents again demonstrate how important it is that anglers take every means possible to dispose of lines and tackle and prevent them from turning into lethal litter for wildlife on our sea fronts, waterways and parks.”
RSPCA officers see many animals with terrible injuries caused by discarded fishing line, hooks and plastic netting, with the charity receiving more than 300 calls about these cases in 2025.
People who enjoy fishing are encouraged to follow the Angling Trust Anglers Against Litter campaign and make use of recycling schemes to dispose of their waste tackle. For more information on how litter harms wildlife, visit the RSPCA website, where there is also advice on what to do if you find a sick or injured animal.