Sick Dolphin Dies on Texas Beach After Being Abused by People
Apparently, some people had nothing better to do than to mess with a sick dolphin that had become stranded on Quintana Beach in Texas. What the heck is wrong with people?
According to the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN) Facebook page, the dolphin was sick and stranded on Sunday, April 10th. They go on to explain that several people pushed the sick mammal out back into the sea and then attempted to ride and swim with it.
She ultimately stranded and was further harassed by a crowd of people on the beach where she later died before rescuers could arrive on scene. This type of harassment causes undue stress to wild dolphins, is dangerous for the people who interact with them, and is illegal - punishable by fines and jail time if convicted.(TMMSN)
As you can see in the picture below, several people surrounded the dolphin looking to either ride, pet, or swim with it.
That is horrible. Obviously, the dolphin was stranded because it was sick. What gives people the right to mess with it? Why didn't someone get some help for the animal?
By interacting with the dolphin, it becomes comfortable around people, drawn to them, and even more likely to approach things it associates with humans, such as boats. This can lead to dolphins being hit by boats or getting stuck in fishing equipment.
TMMSN has given some advice when it comes to seeing a stranded dolphin or whale.
If a live dolphin or whale strands in Texas, please DO NOT PUSH the animal back to sea, do not attempt to swim or interact with them, do not crowd them, and immediately call 1-800-9MAMMAL (1-800-962-6625) for guidance on how to help support the animal until the TMMSN rescue response arrives! (TMMSN Facebook)
It just goes to show you that some people are just heartless and care more about getting that picture or video for social media rather than helping out a poor helpless animal. Pretty sad.
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