Game banned on beaches over fears it can kill and maim seals

A game has been banned from a number of beaches with an aim to keep the seals safe. A local council has introduced a ban on plastic flying rings at its beaches in a bid to protect seals from harm.

These seemingly harmless toys pose a serious threat to the marine mammals, as the hoops can become lodged around their necks. Once trapped, seals often struggle to free themselves, leading to injuries, restricted movement, and in many cases, death. The ban is part of a broader effort to safeguard wildlife and promote responsible beach activities that do not endanger the natural inhabitants of coastal areas.

Neath Port Talbot councillor Robert Wood has urged the local authority to discourage the use of plastic flying rings at Aberavon Beach and Small Beach, also known as Little Warren, due to the danger they pose to seals, reports BBC.

These toys can become trapped around the necks of the animals, often resulting in fatal injuries.

In response, council members have supported a broader campaign calling for a UK-wide ban and have asked council leader Steve Hunt to formally appeal to both the Welsh and UK governments for legislative action.

While Neath Port Talbot's current ban is voluntary and lacks enforcement powers, it aligns with similar initiatives by other councils and major retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury's, who have stopped selling the rings.

Councillor Wood emphasised the importance of protecting seals, noting that the UK is home to 38 percent of the world's North Atlantic Grey seal population, making South Wales a key region in safeguarding the species.

He said: "Young seals are naturally curious and may insert their heads in to the rings becoming entrapped. Once stuck the ring can cause serious injury, infection and ultimately death due to the inability of the animal to remove it."

According to the councillor, the cost of rehabilitating an animal can be as much as £15,000.

Neath Port Talbot Council said: "While the ban is voluntary and will not carry fines or penalties, it is hoped it will prompt support from both retailers and the public.

"The issue has already sparked widespread public concern, with more than 43,000 people signing a national petition and backing a campaign led by the UK Seal Alliance to eliminate these harmful toys from coastal areas."

The decision to discourage the use of plastic flying rings at Neath Port Talbot beaches received unanimous backing from the council, reflecting a growing commitment to seal safety across the region. The move aligns with similar measures already adopted by Swansea and Vale of Glamorgan councils, highlighting a broader trend among local authorities in Wales to address the dangers these toys pose to marine wildlife.