Lewis SmithLocal Democracy Reporting Service
Plastic flying rings are being banned from a council’s beaches to keep seals safe.
The hoops are a danger to the mammals because they can get stuck around their necks, with often fatal results.
Neath Port Talbot councillor Robert Wood called on the authority to discourage flying rings at Aberavon Beach and Small Beach, also known as Little Warren.
Members also backed a campaign for a UK-wide ban on flying rings and asked council leader Steve Hunt to write to the Welsh and UK governments to support a legislative ban.
The ban follows similar moves by other councils across England and Wales, as well as retailers such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s volunteering to stop selling the toys, which can cause fatal injuries to seals.
Neath Port Talbot’s ban is voluntary and carries no power to punish those ignoring it.
Warning: Distressing image
Councillor Wood told the council that 38% of the planet’s north Atlantic Grey seals were found in the UK so south Wales played a significant role looking after 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.”
The cost of rehabilitating an animal, he said, 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 move, supported unanimously by the council, follows similar action at Swansea and Vale of Glamorgan councils.
