DOC find seal killers tough to catch

DoC's Phil Bradfield. Photo / DoC

Calls from the public about a mass seal slaughter near Kaikoura are drying up, while the killers remain at large.

Police and the Department of Conservation (DOC) continued to investigate the clubbing of 25 fur seals at Ohau Point seal colony two weeks ago, but had no strong leads, DOC South Marlborough area manager Dave Hayes said.

"We're still wanting more information to come in," he told NZPA today.

He had not received any calls from the public in the past few days.

Two orphaned pups have died of starvation and more deaths are likely.

Shocked animal lovers have donated money, including $11,500 from the Sea Shepherd Society, to help find the killers.

Penalties for killing or harming fur seals or other marine mammals include up to six months' jail or fines of up to $250,000.

- NZPA