The Florida Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating an incident concerning a manatee with “Trump” scraped into its back. Authorities are asking for the public’s help for information on who may have harassed the West Indian manatee.
How the letters were engraved into the animal’s back has not been reported.
According to the Chronicle Online, the manatee was reported swimming in the Blue Hole, headwaters of the Homosassa River. The animals are protected by the Endangered Species Act and harassment of the animal is a Class A federal crime punishable by a fine of $50,000 and/or up to one year in federal prison.
Anyone with knowledge of the incident is asked to call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-FWCC (3922). Information will be forwarded to the USFWS.
A $5,000 reward has been offered by the Center for Biological Diversity “leading to the a conviction for the cruel and illegal mutilation.”
“It’s heartbreaking that this manatee was subjected to this vile, criminal act,” said Jaclyn Lopez, Florida director at the Center. “It’s clear that whoever harmed this defenseless, gentle giant is capable of doing grave violence and needs to be apprehended immediately.”
[Author’s Note: Not funny, and it would have been just as egregious had Biden been etched into its back.]
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OMG: I can’t believe how cruel someone was to do this to an innocent animal…..
It’s one thing for a human adult to get a tattoo supporting their fave cause…… a human adult can give valid consent.
It’s quite another to force an innocent animal to be scarred with a message. Animals are unable to give valid consent…..
Totally disgusting to torture an innocent animal…… I hope the POSs who did this are caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. They should serve time in prison AND have to pay a hefty fine for their cruelty…….
BEYOND INSANITY!