Australian officials to euthanize dozens of beached whales

Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Australian wildlife officials on Wednesday said they have decided to euthanize dozens of whales that have been stranded on a Tasmanian beach.

A group of 157 whales has been stranded on a beach on Tasmania's West Coast region near Arthur River, according to the Australian state's Marine Conservation Program, which said it was working with the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service in response to the wildlife incident.

On Wednesday morning, about 90 of the animals appeared to still be alive. The Marine Conservation Program said it was attempting to refloat two whales but couldn't get them past the break due to ocean conditions, resulting in the animals restranding.

"The weather forecasts predict similar weather for at least the next two days. Animal and human safety is a priority during this response," it said in a statement Wednesday.

It said it made the decision to euthanize the whales for "animal welfare reasons" following a wildlife veterinarian assessment.

"Unfortunately, it's currently expected all remaining alive whales will be euthanized," it said. "The longer these animals are stranded, the longer they are suffering."

"All alternative options have been unsuccessful; euthanasia is always a last resort."