Hector's dolphin found hacked in half

The Department of Conservation is carrying out an investigation after a hector's dolphin was found on the Kaikoura coast, apparently hacked in half.

The dolphin, one of the world's rarest marine mammals, was found about 9pm with only its front quarters, which appeared to have been butchered.

It was believed the carcass was cut at with some sort of knife, but it would be taken to Massey University where an autopsy would determine the cause of death.

- NZPA