Sick pranksters 'could have killed' dolphin they dressed up in blue T-SHIRT on Australia Day

The mammal was spotted struggling to swim in Koombana Bay on the coast of Western Australia - and wildlife rangers are now desperately trying to find it to save it

Sick pranksters 'could have killed' dolphin they dressed up in a blue T-SHIRT on Australia Day, it has been claimed.

The mammal was spotted struggling to swim - wrapped up in the clothing - by a photographer in Koombana Bay on the coast of Western Australia.

There are fears the clothing will obstruct it blowhole - which it needs to breathe.

The area is renowned for its Dolphin Discovery Centre - and wildlife rangers are now desperately hunting for the dolphin in a bid to save it.

An appeal for information as to what happened is being made after it emerged that it may have been “an intentional act”.

In a statement posted on Facebook last night, the local Department of Parks and Wildlife said it was likely to be a “intentional act” of animal cruelty.

It read: “It is unlikely that the dolphin swam into the singlet, so this appears to be an intentional act.

“This could have been catastrophic for the dolphin if it had covered its blow hole and restricted its breathing.

"Unfortunately the animal has not been seen since.”

The department is urging anyone with any information about the incident - or anyone who has since seen the dolphin - to contact them asap.

People have been reacting online with horror at the pictures.

Social media user Patty Gibbons asked: "Does the DUMBASS that did this understand the torment this poor animal is going to experience?

"How can it fend off predators and survive with a damn tank top around it. People like you DISGUST me to no end!!!"

Other however doubted that it had been intentional - believing it more likely that the dolphin got itself entangled.

Social media user Aryn Johansen said: "As if someone could have got close enough to have done this.

"The singlet would've have been floating in the water like a plastic bag.

"Dolphin would have been playing with it and become entangled. Either way, I hope it managed to free itself."

Anyone found responsible for covering the dolphin with the T-Shirt faces a maximum fine of AUS $4,000 (£2,425) under the Wildlife Conservation Act.

Australia Day is the official national day of the nation - a public holiday traditionally celebrated with festivals and partying.