A charity in Cornwall is pushing for stronger legal protections for seals, claiming that human activity is harming their health and well-being. The Seal Research Trust has joined the UK Seal Alliance in calling for the intentional disturbance of seals to be classified as an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. This comes as concerns grow over the impact of human interference on seal populations, particularly during breeding seasons. Sue Sayers, founder of the Seal Research Trust, explained that seals resting on beaches are often disturbed by people, which can cause stress, injury, and sleep deprivation. She emphasized that seals, like humans, need rest to maintain their health. Disturbances can lead to panicked behavior, such as stampeding across beaches or jumping into the sea, which can result in serious injuries. The charity has raised concerns about the "hidden cost" of these disturbances, noting that they can affect seals' immune systems, hormone levels, and ability to recover between feeding trips. This year’s seal pup season has been described by the trust as one of the worst on record. More than half of the seal pups recorded so far have been dead or dying. Sayers noted that the trust had never previously recorded seal pups being born in every month of a calendar year, and she believes climate change may be influencing these breeding patterns. The charity is urging the public to keep a safe distance from seals, avoid sharing their locations online, and never attempt to feed or move them. The UK Seal Alliance launched its "Give Seals Space" campaign in May, urging the government to provide legal protection for seals. The campaign highlights that seals are highly sensitive to disturbances from humans, animals, and even drones. These disturbances can have long-term effects on the animals’ health, including pup abandonment, wasted energy from staying alert, and injuries from fleeing in panic. The alliance is calling for a reconsideration of previous recommendations to ensure seals receive the legal protection they need.