Headless animal discovered on a beach in Ontario
Published February 28, 2024 at 10:15 am
Police are investigating after a headless animal was found on a beach in Ontario.
A beachgoer found the “headless, partially decomposed, animal remains” near the water’s edge of the beach in Port Stanley, a community south of London, Ontario, around 3:40 p.m. on Feb. 24, OPP said in a press release.
Police thought the animal might be a medium-sized canine, possibly a coyote. The species hasn’t been positively identified yet.
Staff with the Municipality of Central Elgin were contacted to remove and properly dispose of the animal remains, police said.
Local media reported the possibility of other decapitated animals found on the beach, but police didn’t confirm those claims.
The OPP reminded residents to contact the police immediately if suspicious persons or activity is observed.
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While the discovery is disturbing, it is not unusual for a decomposing animal to lose its head in the water.
In Ireland, several headless seals washed up on a beach in 2020. Researchers said that due to the weight of the head, and the neck being the weakest part of their bodies, seal carcasses are often headless if they have been tumbling around in the surf, according to a story in The Journal.
The Elgin County OPP continues to investigate the discovery in Port Stanley and asks for the public’s assistance with this investigation.
Anyone with information can call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Lead photo: Ben Mack
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