The sanctuary says malnutrition could be caused by abandonment

The Seal Sanctuary at Gweek aims to rehabilitate seals and reintroduce them to the wild.

Eight pups have already been admitted at what is traditionally the start of the season. Many pups have injured flippers and malnutrition.

Wildlife experts believe the recent stormy weather is partly to blame for the increase.

The sanctuary said the rescued pups are all very young - between four day and five weeks old.

Dr Glenn Boyle said the pups have been coming in from all round the county's coast.

He says puncture wounds to pups can be caused by other seals when pups go looking for food, and malnutrition is likely to be caused by early abandonment by mothers.