A dolphin has been found decapitated on a beach north of Kaikōura, and DOC staff want to know what happened.
DOC Kaikōura Marine Reserves Ranger Zac Penman says it's illegal to injure, kill, or take parts of a marine mammal and the grisly act is completely unacceptable.
"The dolphin was found by a member of the public and reported to DOC on 24 August," Zac says.
"It appears to be a dusky dolphin thought to have washed up naturally before someone took its head."
The Marine Mammals Protection Act clearly states it is illegal to take any part of a marine mammal.
"We want to find out what happened and are appealing for anyone who knows about this to contact DOC and share the information they have," Zac says.
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