Reward of £1,000 offered over Shetland seal deaths

A charity has offered a £1,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of whoever was responsible for the death of six seals.

The seals - some carrying pups - were found washed up dead on Shetland after apparently being shot.

Three of the common seals were said to have clear exit wounds to the head, and post-mortem examinations showed two females were carrying large pups.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) has offered the reward.

Peta spokesperson Suzanne Barnard said: "Animal abusers are cowards."

The discovery of the dead seals at Mara Ness, Bridge of Walls, was revealed last week.

Anyone with information can contact the Scottish SPCA animal help line on 03000 999 999, the Shetland Wildlife Rescue Unit on 01595 840 321 or Northern Constabulary on 01595 692 110.