A walker was surprised to find what they believed to be a dead dolphin washed up with its fins “cut off” on a Kent shore.
Shaun Mills came across the animal on Shellness Beach on Sheppey at around 10am.
“I was walking my son’s dogs with my grandson when we came across it,” he explained. “It seemed to me a bit strange that all of its fins were missing.
“It was about 2ft long and I was unable to see any other damage to the animal.”
Shaun, who shared the picture on Facebook, believes it is a baby dolphin and looks to have had its fins cut off.
Others have said it could be a porpoise – which have a similar in appearance to dolphins, but are more closely related to narwhals and belugas.
One person commented: “That's sad, poor thing. So many get washed up on our beaches.”
Another added: “Maybe seagulls or other birds got to the fins.”
The creatures have previously been spotted playing near the Island. Those travelling on a Jetstream Tours trip by the SS Montgomery captured the lovely moment on video.
Other dolphins have sadly been found washed up on both Whitstable beach in August last year and The Warren, Folkestone, during February 2021.
Shaun said: “I wasn’t aware that you had to report it.
“I’ve walked that shoreline for more than 20 years and seen all sorts washed up – from animals to old Second World War explosives.
“It seems to me that most things end up around there.”
Swale Borough Council, Sheppey Coastguard Team and Kent Wildlife Rescue Service have all been notified, with HM Coastguard telling KentOnline it is dealing with the situation.
They have also been approached for a comment.
