Shark dies after lifeguards drag it out from the water to take photos

A shark was reportedly killed after lifeguards in the Dominican Republic dragged it out of the water so they could pose for photos with it on the beach.

A video of the incident, which saw a group of seven male lifeguards racing into the surf to grab the shark, was uploaded on YouTube last Tuesday (June 14).

The incident allegedly took place along a stretch of beach near the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana, a region at the eastern tip of the Republic known for its pristine beaches and clear waters.

Upon reaching the shore, the shark is seen thrashing in agony in the sand as the men attempted to tie it up with rope.

A life ring was also placed around its snout, while a wooden paddle was used to hold open its jaws.

The lifeguards then posed for photos with the helpless shark before they were joined by tourists and a group of children.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino spokesman Stacy Sorino told US animal awareness website The Dodo that the resort management was aware of the incident and that it was taking "corrective measures" against its employees who were involved.

"That is absolutely against our standards of protecting animals as we protect our guests," she added.

In February, a rare La Plata dolphin allegedly died after beach-goers in Argentina held it out of water to stroke and take photos with it.

That same month, two peacocks in a zoo in Kunming, China, were believed to have died from shock after being manhandled by tourists.

Their feathers were also said to have been plucked out.

This article was first published on June 19, 2016.
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