Dolphin Found Butchered On Jersey Shore Beach, Marine Biologists Investigating

Authorities were investigating after a dolphin that appeared to be butchered washed up on a beach in Allenhurst, marine biologists said.

A dolphin found butchered in Allenhust, NJ, on October 30, 2024.
Photo Credit: *Facebook - Marine Mammal Stranding Center*

Chris Spiker

11/04/2024 8:49 a.m.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center said the common dolphin's body was discovered on the beach at Allen Avenue on Wednesday, Oct. 30.

"The animal’s flesh had been completely removed with clean cuts from a sharp instrument, leaving only the head, dorsal fin, and flukes," MMSC said in a Facebook post. "The animal’s organs, except for the heart and lungs, had been removed."

MMSC received a report that a dolphin was seen struggling in the surf about a block away on the previous night. Witnesses said the animal made it over to a sandbar and swam back out into the ocean.

It's unclear if the reported dolphin was the same one found slaughtered the next day. The animal's carcass was buried on the beach.

The law enforcement division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration was investigating the case.

Anyone with information should call MMSC at 609-266-0538.

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