Moko the dolphin. Photo by NZPA.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) says it will
prosecute a group of youths seen attacking Moko the friendly
dolphin if it catches them.
A woman has reported seeing high school boys punching and
hitting Moko at Gisborne's Waikanae Beach last week.
The group harassed Moko then abused people who told them to
leave the dolphin alone, Sue Clifton told The Gisborne
Herald.
"The thing is if he had decided to retaliate, Moko would be
blamed but it would be their own fault.
"The majority of us realise how lucky we are to have such a
special animal interact with us the way he does, and then he
has the misfortune to meet thugs like those boys." The
incident was seen by many people, she said.
DOC ranger Jamie Quirk said the behaviour would definitely be
followed up by the department if there was evidence.
He said it was "unacceptable" for anyone to attack Moko.
"Certainly if we can get evidence we would be looking into
prosecuting people, but without evidence our hands are tied,"
Mr Quirk told Radio NZ.
The Marine Animals Protection Act carries a penalty fine of
up to $30,000 for offences against the Act.
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