The Department of Conservation (DOC) is investigating after a video showing a man harassing a seal pup on a New Zealand beach was posted to social media.
The video shows a man dressed in a wetsuit grabbing the juvenile seal by the scruff of its neck and putting it into a bag.
DOC says that the behaviour is inexcusable and will bear consequences for the offender.
Principal investigation officer Matt Davis describes the video as "distressing".
"DOC has a range of enforcement tools available for punishment of wildlife crimes, including fines, infringements, or a prosecution through the courts which can lead to a jail sentence."
Under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978, the penalties for harassing, disturbing, injuring, or killing a marine mammal are a maximum of two years' imprisonment or a fine of up to $250,000.
"While we don’t yet know the full circumstances, there is no excuse for treating a seal like this," said Davis.
DOC say that people should keep a distance of 20 metres from seals and not get between a seal and the sea.
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