Up to $ 100 in fines for those who engraved "Trump" on the manatee's back

Trump has been engraved on the back of a manatee in Florida. An ignoble gesture that is also a federal crime that is now being investigated

He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him

There is no limit to human madness, which if it joins political fanaticism can do even more damage. In Florida, a manatee was spotted with the words "Trump" engraved on its back. Wildlife authorities are investigating to identify those responsible who may have to pay up to € 100 in fines.

Someone has engraved "Trump" in block capitals on a Florida manatee, actually making a cruel and meaningless gesture as well as a real crime. For this the state and federal authorities that deal with the protection of wildlife have opened investigations.

Harassing manatees, which are protected by the Endangered Species Act, is a federal class A crime that carries a $ 50.000 fine and up to one year in federal prison, but the penalty can be even higher.

These gentle giants are protected by the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, the United States Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978, and as such interfering with them involves a heavy sanction. Anyone found to be involved in interfering with, harming or harassing these animals can be fined up to $ 100.000.

The Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978 states that:

"It is illegal for any person, at any time, intentionally or through negligence, to annoy, harass or disturb any manatee."

The animal was spotted over the past weekend in the headwaters of the Blue Hole of the Homosassa River in Citrus County, northwest of Orlando. Immediately, those who had noticed it made a report and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service intervened and is now carrying out the investigations.

Here is the video of the poor manatee that had “TRUMP” carved into its body.

Minding it’s own business and some monster(s) came along and did this.

If you have information on the person(s) who committed this federal crime please call 888-404-3922 https://t.co/maOImIxQS0 pic.twitter.com/Yx2qaGhFXe

- Yashar Ali? (@yashar) January 11, 2021

The Center for Biological Diversity has offered a $ 5.000 reward for anyone who provides useful information to identify those responsible and convict them "for the cruel and illegal mutilation" of the manatee.

“It is heartbreaking that this manatee has been subjected to this vile and criminal act. It is clear that anyone who has harmed this helpless and kind giant is capable of serious violence and must be arrested immediately, ”said Jaclyn Lopez, director of the center in Florida.

Fortunately, the Fish and Wildlife Service said the manatee did not appear to have been seriously injured as the writing was etched into the algae on the animal's back.

⚠️HELP FIND WHO MUTILATED A MANATEE: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating who carved the word “Trump” on a Florida manatee. USFWS is looking for any information: cal Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation hotline at 888-404-3922. https://t.co/FXQ2l3fYTj pic.twitter.com/jI9kL1BNe5

— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) January 11, 2021

However, it is an ignoble and inhumane gesture towards a defenseless animal and above all in danger.

Manatees, which move very slowly, tend to frequent the rivers and coastal areas of Florida, where they are often threatened by habitat loss and collisions with motor boats.

Fonti: Center for Biological Diversity / New York Times