A Norfolk MP is leading calls to ban dogs from certain beaches to protect seals in the pupping season.
Duncan Baker, the North Norfolk MP, raised the issue in Parliament, prompted by concerns that the marine mammals are being injured or harassed during pupping season.
He called for new byelaws which would allow restrictions to be imposed on certain sections of beach at certain times of the year.
There have been previous calls to bring in bans on frisbees, after seals were discovered with the plastic rings stuck around their necks - but councils are not able to introduce byelaws to back such a ban.
Some seals have also been found dead after suspected dog attacks and walkers are already urged to keep their pets on leads while walking on beaches where seals are raising their young.
But Conservative MP Mr Baker called on the government to do more to protect the seals, including potentially restricting dogs from beaches during pupping season.
Mr Baker said: "Off Blakeney Point, we have 3,000 pups born every single year.
"In the east of my constituency, the Friends of Horsey Seals does an incredible job at looking after seals all year round.
"The Marine Management Organisation can quite often create byelaws. If the minister is unable to create legislation to deal with this issue, I wonder whether the MMO could introduce byelaws in certain locations to help to stop seal disturbances."
Mr Baker suggested a byelaw to restrict dogs from being walked in certain locations, such as at Horsey beach during pupping season, could help protect the seals.
Environment minister Mark Spencer said a "comprehensive suite of protections" for seals was already in place.
He said that includes the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence for anyone to disturb any animal in a site of special scientific interest (SSSIs).
He said the Wash and the north Norfolk coast were SSSIs.
But he added: "Our ears are always open to new ideas, and this debate has played a significant part in ensuring that the government are tuned into some of the thoughts of colleagues across the House."
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