The butchered remains of a dolphin have been found on a beach in the US.
The carcass of the animal – with most of its flesh and organs removed – was discovered in Allenhurst, New Jersey.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center, which responds to reports of dead or distressed sea creatures in the area, said the dolphin “appeared to have been butchered”.
A spokesperson added: “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 creature was identified as a common dolphin, which is not listed as threatened or endangered.
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Witnesses reportedly saw a dolphin of the same species “struggling” off the coast the day before the grisly discovery last Wednesday.
However, the animal was then seen swimming back out to sea and it is not known if it was the same dolphin.
The case is being investigated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement.
