Florida wildlife officials are investigating video that appears to show a man dragging a lifeless shark up a beach after he allegedly struck the animal with a hammer.
The video, captured on the Harbor House Oceanfront surf cam at Indian Harbor Beach and reported by WOFL-TVit shows a man holding a hammer while launching what is believed to be a protected lemon shark.
“Two (2) males were observed catching a shark while fishing offshore, brought it to shore, hit it over the head with a hammer, then dragged it back into the water and released it,” Indian Police said. Harbor Beach. Department posted on Facebook.
Police added that the incident was referred to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
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A Florida man reportedly struck a shark with a hammer and tossed it before throwing it back into the ocean, police said.
(Harbour House waterfront surf cam)
In a statement to Fox News Digital, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said it is investigating the attack after it “responded to witness reports and video evidence of an individual striking a shark with a hammerhead at Bicentennial Beach at Indian Harbor Beach and returning the shark to the water.
“The FWC takes potential resource violations seriously and is currently investigating this incident. Investigators identified the individual on the video and would like to thank the public for their assistance. Per normal protocol, while this investigation is ongoing, the agency will not confirm the identity of the person involved.”
Florida states of law that animal cruelty charges may be brought against a person who “overburdens, overburdens, torments, deprives necessary sustenance or shelter, or needlessly maims or kills any animal.”
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Florida authorities say they have identified the person seen in the footage.
(Harbour House waterfront surf cam)
Animal cruelty, depending on the severity and prior conviction, can carry a fine of at least $5,000 or jail time.
Anyone with additional information about the incident is encouraged to contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 or text Tip411.
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Image of Lemon Shark.
(iStock)
Tips to the hotline can remain anonymous, the commission said.
