Baby seals are being chased into the sea by UK beachgoers and then left orphaned because they're separated from their mums.
According to the RSPCA, a disturbing number of stranded pups are being discovered alone, skinny and in need of care.
The organisation also says that one of its rescue centres, the East Winch Wildlife Centre in Norfolk, has basically turned into a 'seal orphanage' after receiving an influx of pups. Which prompts just one question: what the hell is wrong with people?
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Talking about the severity situation to Radio Norwich, Alison Charles - manager of the East Winch Wildlife Centre - explained that seal pups are able to swim from birth, which results in some of them becoming lost and then separated from their mothers.
"We are like a seal orphanage at the moment," she told the radio station. "Common seal pups can swim from birth, but sadly some become separated from their mums too soon and that's how they end up in our care.
"However, we are becoming increasingly concerned by reports that some members of the public are chasing pups back into the water when they see them resting on the beach.
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"This is really concerning because the reason the pup is resting on the beach is likely because they are exhausted due to being so young and still building up their strength."
She said the centre has received more than half a dozen reports of pups being chased off of beaches across the region this year, but is also very concerned about the number of incidents they haven't been made aware of.
She then shared the details of one of the pups they're looking after at the moment.
"We are currently caring for one seal, who we have named Cannellini , who was rescued from Corton, Suffolk on Sunday (12th July)," she said. "It was understood that the day before, he had been chased back in the sea at Lowestoft, Suffolk."
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It can take up to five months for the centre to help build up the seal's strength. The RSPCA also warns that it's important to not approach baby seals, and to keep dogs both on a lead and away from pups to reducing the chances of the seals being bitten.
If you feel moved to help the centre cope with and care for the baby seals, they've created an Amazon wish list of items that they are most in need of.
Featured Image Credit: RSPCA