Veterinary practice deals with a slippery customer (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Redcar veterinary practice deals with a slippery customer

2:57pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News By Graeme Hetherington

A FAMILY-run veterinary practice had an unusual client this week when a ten-week old seal pup was rescued after becoming stranded on a beach.

A member of the public brought the pup into White Cross Vets in Redcar after keeping an eye on it for three days.

Vet and clinic director Cate Titterton checked the pup, which they christened Sophie, for injuries before attempting to release it back into the sea.

She said: “We wanted to investigate the pup’s injuries and the best way to do that was to let her explore the practice. The pup headed straight for the door, probably keen to get back to the beach. Having weighed the pup and examined some bite marks around her eye a decision was made to try and release Sophie back into her natural habitat.

“Unfortunately the young pup was unable to make her way back into the water and as her breathing had become more labored, we worked with the RSPCA to ensure a place for her could be secured at Scarborough’s Sea life Centre.”