8 detained, 4 wanted in Liaoning spotted seal poaching

Dalian police in Northeast China's Liaoning province arrested and detained eight suspects they say are involved in a poaching case related to spotted seals.

Thirty-nine of the animals have died since the poaching was first discovered on Feb 11, local authorities said in a press conference on Monday. Another four suspects are still at large.

The city's natural resources authorities also said that an event will be organized to release all the rescued animals, 61 so far. The activity is scheduled for sometime between March and May.

A detailed plan for the release is still under discussion, said Wang Shuaizhang, deputy director of the Dalian Natural Resources Affairs Service Center.

With the help of three local animal protection institutions, the remaining 61 rescued spotted seals are in stable condition, he said.

A total of 100 seal cubs were found, with 29 dead on site, when local police searched a vacant seal farm two weeks ago.

Wang Wei, deputy chief of the Dalian Public Security Bureau, said the police will not tolerate poaching of spotted seals.

Suspects involved are local fishermen from Changxing island, in Liaodong Bay, where the poaching occurred, Wang said. The four suspects at large are listed as wanted.

Spotted seals are a Level 2 protected national rare species and Liaoning's mascots .