Police launch investigation into dolphin harassment
Devon and Cornwall Police in the UK are looking into an incident where up to 25 small vessels reportedly harassed a pod of bottlenose dolphins in Camel Estuary on Saturday, 20th July.
It is believed one of the dolphins may have been hit by a boat and killed as a result.
Harassing dolphins in this way may seem harmless but it can disrupt feeding and hunting patterns, the nursing of young, and can result in injury or death if they are struck by a vessel . Boats should approach any whale or dolphin with great care, keep their distance, and limit speed and time spent near these creatures. Harassment is a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and anyone with information about this particular incident is being asked to contact the police on 101 quoting log reference 399 210713.
