An investigation has been launched after a dolphin was discovered beheaded a day after it washed up on a south Auckland beach.
The Department of Conservation is reviewing surveillance footage and appealing for help from the public after the striped dolphin was mutilated less than 24 hours after washing ashore at Karioitahi Beach.
Biodiversity ranger Olivia Keane said tampering with dead marine animals was an offence under the Marine Mammals Protection Act.
"We received a report that a washed-up dolphin was on the beach. Washed-up marine mammals are not uncommon, and we expect people to leave them alone," she said.
"What we don't expect is for people to mutilate this treasured species in a disrespectful way for commercial or personal gain.