2LT International News
After unleashed dogs maul monk seal pup two Hawaiians fined $20,000
Jun 27, 2024
HONOLULU, Hawaii: The fatal mauling of a female Hawaiian monk seal pup by unleashed dogs led to the U.S. administration fining two Hawaii residents US$20,000, this week.
Hawaiian monk seals are a critically endangered species and just 1,600 remain. The loss of a female is a tough blow to conservation efforts.
A necroscopy showed the pup, known as PO7 suffered puncture wounds consistent with dog bites and hemorrhaging consistent with being shaken by a dog.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of General Counsel fined the two individuals $20,000 jointly on June 11. It did not specify how the two were allegedly connected to the dogs.
The pup was born to a seal known as RN58 or Luana. She was seen with her mother for the first time on May 23 on Oahu’s North Shore and reportedly attacked by a dog that same evening.
The two individuals can challenge the penalty and request a hearing before a judge.
The department has begun investigating potential violations of state and county laws.
