Reading about things like this makes me ill.
Beachgoers at Quintana Sand in Brazoria County are accused of attempting to swim with and even ride on the back of a sick dolphin they discovered stranded on the beach. It’s not specified in the post, but I’m sure everyone got their phones out to take a selfie with the dolphin for social media. This is very repulsive.
According to the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network, the dolphin was forced back into the water by beachgoers before being stranded on the beach again. Rescuers were unable to perform their duties in an attempt to save the dolphin since it was already too late. Instead, the dolphin was transported for a necropsy in order to figure out what caused it to become stranded in the first place.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act expressly prohibits harassing or attempting to harass any marine animals found in the wild. It is advised that you keep at least 150 feet away from any that you may encounter and that you call the appropriate authorities before taking matters into your own hands.
Can you image someone pretending to swim with you and riding on your back while you drown in the sea? Treat our animal companions as you would a real human, and seek help if something like this occurs. Harassment of this nature might create unnecessary stress in a dolphin. Not to mention that tampering with a dolphin or any other wild creature is a crime punishable by prison time and severe penalties.