WARNING: The video above may be disturbing to some viewers.
VENTURA, Calif. — Officials had to tow a dead dolphin off a crowded beach in Ventura, California, on Sunday.
Park rangers were not able to pick up the dolphin in the truck because the vehicle would then have had to be taken off service for decontamination. So, they had to tie it and drag the dolphin across the beach.
Justin Avila, who provided the footage to KTLA, described the incident as “disturbing.” However officials say this was the most effective and practical way to remove the dolphin.
Ventura Harbor patrol harbormaster John Higgins told KTLA about the decision to tow the dolphin.
“Our area tries really hard to provide exceptional services and the efficient removal of this dolphin was our best attempt to deal with a difficult situation,” Higgins said.
Authorities are now working to find other ways to handle future incidents to make it less discomforting for the public.