Shotgun pellet found in dead dolphin
A shotgun pellet has been found in the dorsal fin of a juvenile dolphin discovered floating off Adelaide’s coast.
The mammal’s body was found floating about two kilometres off Outer Harbor earlier this month.
It is the fourth death in the dolphin sanctuary in recent weeks.
Dolphins are a protected species, and those who intentionally hurt of kill them face a $100,000 fine or two years in jail.
Environment department ranger Janine Kraehenbuehl said, while the bullet had been found, the cause of death could not be identified.
She said the discovery of the pellet was disturbing.
"Dolphins are considered by many to be playful and carefree marine mammals and it's distressing to think someone would injure one, either intentionally or accidentally," she said on Wednesday.
"While the pellet may not have contributed to its death, the discovery is a reminder to people to take care."
