Decapitated pelican found at fish cleaning station at Emu Point in Albany on Sunday

WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGE.

A popular south coast picnic spot was witness to a shocking act of animal cruelty last weekend after a pelican was found beheaded.

At about 1pm on Sunday, City of Albany rangers received a report of a dead pelican at the fish cleaning station in Emu Point Marina.

Upon arriving at the marina, rangers discovered the pelican was decapitated, with a clean slice across its neck and its head missing.

The City of Albany rangers said they have “no information” as to what caused the pelican to become decapitated.

An anonymous Facebook user posted the photo of the headless bird to the Albany Western Australia 6330 Fishing and Surrounds page later that day, with the caption “hope karma catches up with you”.

On Monday, Albany officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Carlos Correia said police had not received any reports of the incident.

Australian pelicans are native animals and a common sight along the Western Australian coastline.