Harbour seal pups strand annually across UK coasts. Rehabilitation protocols have improved significantly, with high release rates achieved by specialist centres using evidence-based approaches.
Stranded seal pups experience acute welfare distress from separation, dehydration, and exposure. The stress of human contact and captive handling during rehabilitation is significant for a species not habituated to humans. Minimising handling, using quiet handling techniques, and providing appropriate social environments (where possible with conspecifics) reduces stress. The ultimate welfare goal — successful wild release and survival — justifies the temporary distress of rehabilitation for animals with realistic recovery prospects. Animals too severely compromised for rehabilitation face the welfare decision of prolonged suffering in captivity versus compassionate euthanasia. UK seal centres have developed evidence-based criteria that minimise inappropriate prolongation of suffering.