'No reason for the animal to suffer the way it did': Shark dumped in puddle dies
Marine experts fear a dead shark found in a South Australian town was taken from the wild and later dumped in a puddle.
The Port Jackson shark was located around 10.30am on Friday, roughly 20 kilometres from the nearest coastline, but was unable to be saved.
A police car pulls alongside the dead shark. Source: 7News
Police quickly ruled out a possible 'sharknado' to explain how the shark wound up in a puddle at One Tree Hill, where it was found by a passerby.
"It's horrific," Marine Rescue spokesperson Aaron Machado said.
"Unfortunately it's animal cruelty at its best.
Where the shark was found. Source: 7News
"There is no reason whatsoever for the animal to have suffered the way it did."
Police believe the shark was likely dumped in the puddle after being caught while fishing or kept as a pet that grew too large for its tank.
"People quite often get disheartened or annoyed that these animals have taken their bait because it's not the intended species that they're catching," Mr Machado said.
The dead shark. Source: 7News
"If you're going to go fishing and kill an animal, do it and do it humanely."
Experts sat Port Jackson sharks are often considered pests by fishers.
Marine Rescue's Aaron Machado. Source: 7News
