A disturbing incident on a beach in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta has caused anger after a group of migrants were filmed carrying a baby dolphin around before the animal later died.
The incident happened at Trampolin Beach on the North African coast. According to reports, the small dolphin had washed ashore when a group of men gathered around it and picked it up.
Video footage from the scene appeared to show the men lifting the baby dolphin above their heads and carrying it around the beach. People nearby became concerned about the animal and tried to persuade the group to put it down and return it safely to the sea.
Officials wearing high-visibility jackets were also seen trying to step in as the situation became increasingly chaotic. They attempted to reach the dolphin and take it away from the group, while local people could reportedly be heard asking the men to hand over the animal.
According to Spanish television channel Telecinco, one of the men allegedly struck the dolphin on the head with a stick. The blow was reported to have caused serious injuries to the animal.
People on the beach continued trying to rescue the dolphin. Eventually, they managed to take it away from the group and return it to the water in the hope that it could survive.
Sadly, their efforts came too late. The young dolphin had already suffered serious injuries and died.
The incident quickly caused anger after footage began circulating online. Many people expressed shock over the way the animal was treated and questioned why anyone would handle a vulnerable dolphin in such a way instead of immediately trying to help it return to the sea.
The death has also led to calls for action against those believed to have been responsible. An online petition was launched demanding that the men involved be identified, arrested and investigated for possible animal cruelty.
The footage has left many people upset, particularly because several officials and local residents could be seen desperately trying to intervene and save the animal before it was too late.
