A SEAL pup is being cared for by the RSPCA after a plastic container seal became stuck around her neck, causing severe wounds. The female seal, which has been named Travellers Rest, was rescued from a beach in Low Hauxley, Northumberland, and is being ca

A SEAL pup is being cared for by the RSPCA after a plastic container seal became stuck around her neck, causing severe wounds.

The female seal, which has been named Travellers' Rest, was rescued from a beach in Low Hauxley, Northumberland, and is being cared for at the RSPCA's East Winch Wildlife Centre.

The plastic ring had been round the seal's neck such a long time that it had cut into her skin, and the wound was infected.

The extent to which the seal was cutting in to the skin became clear when the plastic seal was measured at just 41.5cm - the seal's neck was 57cm in diameter.

It is believed the plastic was around the seal's neck for a couple of months. The RSPCA believe the seal was born just before Christmas and has grown with the seal around her neck.

Alison Charles, wildlife centre manager, is hopeful the seal will make a full recovery.

She said: "This is the third neck injury in as many months and shows the sort of damage that litter can do to all animals."

The seal was collected by RSPCA animal collection officer Jaqui Thorpe on March 7.

Mrs Charles said: "The wound needs daily bathing. She is being treated with antibiotics and having pain relief, but she is a very feisty character and I hope she will recover well."

The East Winch centre takes in about 150 seals every year from across the country for treatment in the specialist seal rehabilitation unit.

• This season's grey seals were named after pubs. Travellers' Rest was chosen to reflect the seal's 230-mile journey to recovery.