A SICKENING footage showing Dave the Dolphin being surrounded by boats off the Kent coast, almost hit by an oar and harassed has been posted on the Internet.

The firm, on website YouTube, pictures people on boats trying to touch the dolphin and slapping the water nearby to try to encourage the animal to surface.

Dave generally roams off the coast between Folkestone and Hythe and has become a popular attaction with both local residents and tourists.

Jason Carter, of the British Marine Life Rescue, who has been looking out for Dave’s wellbeing, said he would like to see those responsible named and shamed, to dissuade others from doing the same.

He has sent the footage to the Marine Animal Rescue Coalition, who could consider a prosecution: treating a wild animal in such a way is illegal.

At the same time he has reported to police that a boat has also been running from Folkestone harbour charging people £7 each to go out to sea to follow the dolphin.

Mr Carter said: “It is not nice to see footage like this. Personally I’d like to see them taken to court and fined.

“We need a police presence in the area. We are not law enforcers; we are an animal rescue organisation.”

Matt Lacey, a YouTube viewer from Folkestone, was alarmed at the footage. He said: “The film made me angry. These people should be prosecuted.”

Kent police are to watch the YouTube footage to see if any offences have been committed.

Spokesman Jon Green said the environment and rural officer Andy Small would view the film and thanked the Kentish Express for bringing it to their attention.

He said: “We will see if any offences are committed and if so we will then try to trace the offenders."

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