Outrage as dolphin is found shot dead on California beach

A dolphin has been found shot dead on a beach in California.

The marine mammal was discovered last week on the coast of City of Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles County,

A veterinarian found it had died from a bullet wound and a local animal rescue organisation is now offering a reward for information.

“There is NO excuse for such brutality against these beautiful animals,” Marine Animal Rescue posted on Facebook.

The group's founder, Peter Wallerstein, told NBC News: "It's just a vicious act of brutality.

"We very rarely find these people but what the reward does is put them on notice."

He said that he had never before seen a dolphin which had been shot in 30 years of animal rescue work, and added that he feared it could signal a wider problem.

Marine Animal Rescue is offering a $5,000 for any information leading to the conviction of the person responsible.