In what might be one of the most sinister plot twists in world affairs over the past week, a dolphin found dead on a beach over in California was allegedly shot in an unexpected act of brutality.
Police are now searching for the gunman and are offering a £3,900 ($5,000) reward for anyone who can offer up information that leads to the perpetrator's conviction.
The reward is being offered by volunteer group Marine Animal Rescue, who posted an upsetting snap of the animal on Facebook after it was discovered on Manhattan Beach in California.
The picture was uploaded alongside the caption: "There is NO excuse for such brutality against these beautiful animals."
Advert
To be fair, there's no excuse for brutality against any animals. Whatever your take on the matter, there's no denying this is a tragic turn of events, and MAR is determined to get to the bottom of who did it.
Peter Wallerstein, the group's founder, told NBC News: "It's just a vicious act of brutality."
Apparently it was Peter who received a call on November 8 from concerned onlookers who spotted the dolphin.
He immediately took action and had the animal looked over by autopsy specialists, who revealed it had died from a gunshot wound.
Advert
Now, before we go any further, could it be that someone saw the animal was suffering, couldn't get it back in the sea and therefore decided to put a bullet in its head and end the misery?
Doubtful, and even if it were true, he or she should've just called Peter or another organisation to get help before capping the poor thing straight in the head.
Peter went on to urge the National Marine Fisheries Service to investigate the incident, stating: "They'll do the best they can.
Advert
"They have the bullet and they have evidence of the shooting. We rarely find these people but what the reward does is put them on notice."
Damn straight, that's no small change they're offering. As they wait, everyone involved is left wondering just why anyone would do this to an innocent, helpless animal? It's hard to imagine even the sickest of sociopaths enjoying pulling their gun on a dolphin.
Perhaps it was this guy....
Many of those commenting on the Facebook post are equally baffled, with one declaring: "This is heartbreaking! What in the world is wrong with people!"
Advert
Another simply wrote: "Who would shoot a Dolphin and why?" Hopefully we can find out soon before they move onto their next victim.
Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Marine Animal Rescue
Topics: News, Animal, Wildlife, US News, Weird, Animals, california