The butchered remains of a dolphin washed ashore on a New Jersey beach last week — prompting a federal investigation over the sickening act. The remains of a common dolphin were found on the beach in Allenhurst, just north of Asbury Park, last Wednesday, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center said on social media.

"The animal's flesh had been completely removed with clean cuts from a sharp instrument," The Marine Mammal Stranding Center said.

Authorities in New Jersey came across a grim discovery last week when the partial remains of a dolphin were found at a beach in Allenhurst, just north of Asbury Park. The mammal appeared to have been butchered with surgical precision,

Stranding center officials brought the dolphins remains to their Brigantine headquarters to be photographed and documented. The dolphin’s carcass was buried on the beach. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration law enforcement office is investigating.