Dolphin image distressing

THERE will be a lot of people, like us, who were put off by the image of a decapitated dolphin used on our front page today.

The decision to publish it at all was not taken lightly, and we did try to use one of the less confronting images.

But if a picture paints a thousand words, the photo of a dead dolphin, its head seemingly removed by some trophy hunter, speaks volumes.

It is difficult to comprehend how anyone could think keeping and perhaps displaying the head of one of nature's most revered of creatures was a sensible thing to do.

It is macabre and, if right, suggests a sick mind was at work.

Perhaps there is a reasonable explanation.

Perhaps a research scientist stumbled across the dead mammal and decided he or she would take its head with them to investigate a possible cause of death.

It's unlikely.

Somebody taking the head of a protected animal would need to seek the permission of relevant authorities, like the National Parks and Wildlife Service, before they did so, and there is no evidence that has happened.

Our photographer, who was distressed after seeing the dead dolphin, said it appeared as if someone had also attempted to cut off its tail.

If anyone has more information or an explanation about this incident, they should contact the NPWS.

It appeared as if someone had also attempted to cut off its tail