San Diego to blast seals from beach with dog noise

[May 26, 2009]  SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Officials in San Diego who want to prevent seals from taking over a popular beach are hoping that a dog's bark is worse than its bite.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported Saturday that the city will seek court approval next week for a plan to use recordings of barking dogs at Children's Pool beach in La Jolla (la HO'-ya).

The city hopes the recordings will disperse about 200 seals. The plan will cost nearly $700,000 a year.

Marine experts say the seals likely will adjust to the noise, but city officials say their backup plan is to add other sounds and spray the seals with water.

Animal rights activists say they'll oppose the plan.

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Information from: The San Diego Union-Tribune, http://www.signonsandiego.com/

[Associated Press]

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