Horrified beachgoers told how a stranded porpoise was beheaded with “almost surgical precision” under the cloak of darkness.

The endangered mammal’s remains were reportedly mutilated on Palm Bay, Margate, prompting a council probe this week.

Nature experts believe the grizzly act was carried out with a large saw - likely so the skull can be sold on the black market.

Possession of a cetacean’s body part is illegal without a licence and can lead to a spell of imprisonment.

Leigh Redden, 55, of Margate, was walking his dog along the shore in the morning when he noticed the animal’s corpse afloat in the waves.

He waded out and dragged the dead porpoise onto the sand before notifying HM Coastguard.

Speaking yesterday, Mr Redden said he was incensed by the authority’s slow response, with the suspected mutilation leaving him “sick to my stomach”.

He explained: “Obviously when a creature of this size washes up on the beach it becomes a bio hazard and has to be acted on immediately.

“To find out it was left so long and this happened is totally disgusting, I am absolutely sick to my stomach, look how clean that cut is – almost surgeon precision.

“Whoever took the head off had one very big, very sharp instrument.”

It is strictly illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and Habitats Regulations, except under Natural England licence.

In addition, porpoises are a protected species, and the importing and exporting of their body parts is prohibited.

The endangered mammal’s remains washed up intact near Palm Bay, Margate, on Friday June 9.

But the following day its head had been removed.

Thanet wildlife expert Nik Mitchell was notified of the animal when it first came onto the shore.

Mr Mitchell said: “Its head has absolutely been removed on purpose - that porpoise washed up the other day with the head still on it.”

The 40-year-old explained porpoise skulls are often sold on the black market, as only those with a licence can legally disturb the carcasses of the protected species.

The skulls can reach anything up to £500 on the black market, it is understood.

Speaking to KentOnline yesterday, Mr Mitchell continued: “Someone has been down there overnight and cut the head off because they want to keep it.

“The head has 100% been cut off with a big saw, probably overnight.

“It’s illegal to do this - even if the animal is dead.

“Sometimes people try to sell these skulls, but sites such as eBay don't allow it so it’s a bit of a black market.

“You have to be licensed to damage their corpses.”

Even when cetaceans are dead, possession of any part of the animal is strictly illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and Habitats Regulations, except under Natural England licence.

In addition, porpoises are a protected species, and the importing and exporting of their body parts is prohibited.

A police spokesman said Thanet District Council this week reported the incident, adding: “Kent Police was made aware via partner agencies on Monday 12 June 2023 that a dead porpoise had been found on a beach in Margate.

“Anyone with information regarding suspicious activity around marine mammals should call Kent Police on 999.”

Thanet District Council and HM Coastguard said they were unaware of the head being removed by a person who held the required licence.

Furthermore, British Divers Marine Life Rescue reported they were aware of the incident, and are assuming somebody mutilated the body in order to keep the skull.

A council spokesman warned of the potential dangers beachgoers face when approaching washed-up animals.

“The carcass of a porpoise, discovered between Palm Bay and Foreness Point, was reported to the council on Monday by the Coastguard.

“It appears that the porpoise’s head has been removed following its stranding.

“It is a criminal offence to interfere with the carcasses of species which are protected by law, whether dead or alive. Council officers have reported the incident to Kent Police.

“The public is advised not to attempt to move any stranded or dead mammals and to keep dogs and children away from them, as they may have infectious or transferable diseases.

“Beach users are asked to report stranded dead sea mammals to Thanet District Council by emailing or calling.

“Reports should include information on the species (if known) and its condition, along with details of the location, date and time seen. Any photos taken should be attached to the email.”

Margate Coastguard, which was notified of the stranding immediately, was unclear on how the corpse became defiled.

A spokesman explained: “Margate Coastguard Rescue Team were sent on Friday 9 June to locate a dead porpoise washed up at Palm Bay, Margate.

“The report was made at about 5pm.

“The coastguard team located the animal, taped it off and took photographs and measurements before alerting Thanet District Council for disposal.”