Stay away: Warning to Welsh holidaymakers over re-floating dolphins
Holidaymakers travelling to the Welsh coast for the bank holiday are being urged not to try to re-float dolphins they might find stranded on the beach.
A number of dolphins have been found on beaches around the coast this summer, most recently on Aberthaw beach in South Wales.
Members of the public have tried to move dolphins back into the water.
However, experts say there is a disease that can be passed on from handling the mammals that could be serious to human health.
RSPCA inspectors Gemma Black and Selina Griffiths attended the latest dolphin incident and were joined by volunteers from British Divers Marine Life Rescue.
Inspector Black said: “The members of the public did a great job of doing what they could to keep the dolphin stable before we arrived and made sure any dogs were kept away.
“The dolphin was extremely underweight, its breathing was snatchy and was very unwell.
"A large animal vet attended and it was agreed that the best and only option for the dolphin was to put it to sleep to alleviate any further suffering."
“There were members of the public that stayed for hours with the dolphin to help.
"Their hard work was gratefully appreciated as was the help and support of the rescue volunteers which we would like to thank.
"It was a sad outcome that the dolphin had to be put to sleep but at least any future suffering was stopped. The body of the dolphin will be sent off for analysis with the hope of learning more about why it was so ill."
She cautioned: “If anyone sees a beached cetacean, they should ring the RSPCA’s emergency line on 0300 1234 999 and provide as much information as possible about the location and condition of the animal.
