Reward offered to catch dolphin attackers

A $500 reward has been offered for information leading to identification of the "sick" youths who punched and hit Moko, Gisborne's friendly bottlenose dolphin, last week.

"Your help is needed to find these youths, who have a sick taste in fun," Sea Shepherd Conservation Society New Zealand's Michael May, who has offered the reward, told The Gisborne Herald.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) says it will prosecute the group of youths seen attacking Moko if it catches them.

The punching incident was reported at Waikanae Beach last week.

DOC's Jamie Quirk said it was "unacceptable" for anyone to attack Moko.

"If we can get evidence we would look to prosecute people, but without evidence our hands are tied."

The Marine Animals Protection Act carries a fine of up to $30,000 for cruelty offences.

- NZPA