Featured Image Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
In Tallahassee, Florida, Governor Rick Scott wants state wildlife officials to review regulations after seeing the disturbing video of a shark being dragged behind a boat at high speed in Florida waters.
“This week, an incredibly disturbing video was reported by the media showing individuals senselessly dragging a shark behind their boat at high speed,” Scott wrote in a letter Friday to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Chairman Brian Yablonski. “The brutality and disrespect shown to this animal is sickening and I am sure that you share my outrage over these individuals’ heinous actions.”
The state agency is currently investigating the incident. The video, which was posted on Instagram and has gone viral on social media, shows a shark being dragged on a rope behind a boat while men laugh as the shark’s body smacks and slams in and out of the water.
Governor Scott noted that some people “irresponsibly and recklessly abuse” the state’s natural resources and encouraged Yablonski to review state fishing regulations and laws to “ensure such inhumane acts are strictly prohibited.”
Scott suggested that if the FWC doesn’t take action, the state may need to step in.
“Florida is a sportsman’s destination and there is no place in Florida for these kinds of callous acts,” Yablonski said in a prepared statement.
However, the FWC said it is too early to determine if any violations occurred during the disturbing and cruel event.
In a recent Facebook post, the FWC announced they have identified the individuals in the video and are currently conducting an investigation into the incident. However, since it is an active investigation, those identities cannot be confirmed.