The Conservation of Seals Act 1970 protects seals during the breeding/moulting periods (‘close’ season) when they are at their most vulnerable. The grey seal close season runs from the September 1 to December 31 each year. The common seal close season runs from June 1 to August 31 each year.
Under the EC Habitats Directive both common and grey seals are identified as protected species for which Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) must be designated, and for which the UK has special responsibility. Within SACs, steps must be taken to avoid both deterioration of habitats and significant disturbance of species, in order to maintain the ‘favourable conservation status’ of grey and common seals. Presently, there are 6 candidate SACs for grey seals (representing 47% of pup production) and 8 candidate SACs for common seals (18% of the Scottish population). A further common seal SAC at Sound of Barra is under consideration.
In response to local reductions in common seal numbers, seal conservation Orders were introduced in 2004 and 2007 to offer additional protection to sensitive and potentially vulnerable common seal populations in specific areas. The Orders effectively extend the ‘close season’ restrictions on shooting seals to the whole year.
But regardless of protection status, cruelty to animals is not tolerated. Clubbing and mutillating animals is not considered a humane method of killing them.