A seriously ill dolphin has been put down after beaching in South Wales

The RSPCA Cymru has thanked members of the public for their efforts despite having to put down another seriously ill dolphin that washed up along Aberthaw Beach, near Gileston.

After dog walkers found the striped dolphin on Saturday afternoon, RSPCA inspectors attended the scene along with volunteers of the British Dovers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).

The RSPCA said the animal was in a very poor state of health and was put down by vets to alleviate its suffering.

It follows two stranded dolphins recently being washed up in Pembrokeshire, one in Saundersfoot and the other in Newgale. In these cases members of the public attempted to move the dolphins back to the water.

When a dolphin beaches it usually indicates the animal's serious health problems. The RSPCA warns that there is a substantial health risk to humans who attempt to move stranded cetaceans in this way.

It is currently unknown if any of the recent incidents involving unwell dolphins are linked.

The dolphin has now been sent away for a post-mortem examination. This can help establish a cause of death, and provide important insights into the health of populations living in the sea in a specific area.

People who find an unwell dolphin on the beach are advised to call the RSPCA’s emergency line on 0300 1234 999, and provide as much information as possible about the location of the animal, and their condition.