“Eventually he was trapped and further harassed by the crowd on the beach, where he died before rescue workers arrived at the scene,” the network said.
Authorities have obtained footage of the persecution in Texas, which NOAA says will help identify those involved.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits the harassment, harming, killing or feeding of wild dolphins.
Harassment, harming, killing or feeding of wild dolphins carries a $ 100,000 fine and up to 1 year in prison if violated, the agency said.
The animal was in a state of begging for food when attacked while still alive. He appeared to have died of shock, the NOAA said in a statement.
“Begging is not a normal behavior of dolphins and is often associated with illegal feeding. People can help prevent future harm by not feeding or attempting to feed wild dolphins,” it said.
The agency – the maid of marine resources and habitats – advised people to avoid contact with stranded marine animals as they may become ill or injured.
Pushing the animals back into the water delays the animal from getting the help it needs, and it could get stuck again in a bad condition, it said.
CNN’s Michelle Watson and Rebekah Riess contributed to the report.
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