Federal Authorities Investigate Butchered Dolphin Remains Found on New Jersey Beach
What to Know
- Federal authorities are investigating the butchered remains of a dolphin found on a New Jersey beach.
- The Marine Mammal Stranding Center found the remains of a common dolphin on a beach in Allenhurst, New Jersey, on Wednesday.
- The dolphin appeared to have been butchered, with its flesh removed with clean cuts from a sharp instrument, leaving only the head, dorsal fin, and flukes.
The butchered remains of a dolphin were found on a New Jersey beach, and federal authorities are investigating. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center, which responds to reports of dead or distressed marine animals that come ashore in New Jersey, found the remains of a common dolphin on a beach in Allenhurst, just north of Asbury Park. The dolphin "appeared to have been butchered," the center said in a statement.
Investigation Details
The animal’s flesh had been completely removed with clean cuts from a sharp instrument, leaving only the head, dorsal fin, and flukes. The animal’s organs, except for the heart and lungs, had been removed. The case is being investigated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses had reported seeing a dolphin of the same species struggling in the surf on Tuesday night, just a block from where the remains were found the next day. The animal was able to swim over a sand bar and back out to sea, but it is not known whether it was the same animal whose remains were found the next day.
Conclusion
The investigation into the butchered dolphin remains is ongoing, and officials are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the animal’s death. The common dolphin is not listed as threatened or endangered, but the incident is still a disturbing one that has raised concerns about animal welfare and marine life protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is being investigated?
A: Federal authorities are investigating the butchered remains of a dolphin found on a New Jersey beach.
Q: What was found on the beach?
A: The remains of a common dolphin were found on the beach in Allenhurst, New Jersey, with signs of butchering.
Q: Is the dolphin endangered?
A: No, the common dolphin is not listed as threatened or endangered.
Q: Who is investigating the case?
A: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement is investigating the case.
