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Dogs can hurt seals, and that's why you can't bring them to city beaches

As Seattleites prepare to hit the city's beaches this spring and summer, the city animal shelter sent its annual reminder: Dogs aren't allowed on the beach, even if they are on a leash.

While this rule may disappoint people who like to bring their pets outdoors, it's not intended to be an inconvenience. It exists to keep wildlife safe.

>> Related: Seal bites man in Friday Harbor; experts, victim say seal expects to be hand fed 

A statement from the Seattle Animal Shelter last week read, "This law helps us protect the fragile ecosystem along our shorelines. Marine mammals, such as seal pups that are typically born in April, use the city's beaches to rest and warm themselves. Shore birds also frequent our beaches. Wildlife that interact with dogs are less likely to reach adulthood."

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KIRO 7 News talked to members of SR3, or Sealife Response + Rehabilitation + Research, about the frequency of negative dog interactions with wildlife. Dr. Lesanna Lahner said that a few incidents, some involving attacks, happen each year on West Seattle's Alki Beach.

Last year, Lahner attended to a harbor seal on Alki Beach that had small puncture wounds, possibly from a dog, on its abdomen and flippers.

>> Seal pup euthanized after people carry it off Washington beach

"The wounds were infected and since the seal was not using one of its rear flippers very well it was determined that it should be sent for a complete health evaluation at PAWS Wildlife facility," according to SR3's Facebook page. "The seal is in stable condition but has a guarded prognosis."

Attacks aside, dogs can transfer diseases, such as canine distemper and bordetella, even if your dogs had shots for them. If a seal gets these diseases and contacts an orca, the diseases could transfer to the orca with fatal consequences, Lahner said. Seals can give dogs diseases, too.

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Essentially, it's a win for everyone, and the ecosystem, to not have dogs along the shoreline. That's why uniformed animal service officers will be patrolling city parks and may issue citations to dog owners who bring their dogs on saltwater beaches.

Anyone who is interested in reporting Seattle beaches where dogs are frequently seen can submit a service request here. Those interested can also call the Seattle Animal Shelter at 206-386-7387.

Click here to see potential civil penalties dog owners can face for violating the city of Seattle's laws prohibiting dogs on saltwater beaches.

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