Dolphins lured and attacked: marine group
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There is concern at Whyalla in South Australia that dolphins are being lured with fish, then attacked by local youths.
Whyalla's Marina Sports Association vice-president, Wayne Carne, says youths have been seen attracting the dolphins with tommy ruff fish, but then dropping large rocks onto them.
Feeding the dolphins is illegal, but Mr Carne says tourists and residents have been feeding them for years, which makes them vulnerable to attack.
"Just to think that they could do such a thing, it's like throwing a stone at a baby in a pram," he said.
"When you look at a dolphin they smile at you, they've got such a brain and you know they've got feelings.
"That's one animal I'd say is so close to being a human being ... why would anyone want to hurt them?"
President of Project Dolphin Safe, Aaron Machado, says attacks are an ongoing issue that the council needs to address.
"There's two or three people in particular, not necessarily young people, that are vessel operators and every time they pull into Whyalla ... they feed these animals constantly," he said.
"Unfortunately for the people of Whyalla, the council themselves have been endorsing that and been promoting it and have not done anything to stop it."
