Video Footage Leads to Arrest
A deep-sea angler from Florida is at the center of a scandal after a video surfaced on social media showing him repeatedly attacking a shark with a knife. Zane P. Garrett, 26, from Stock Island in the Florida Keys, was arrested on Thursday by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and charged with animal cruelty – an offense classified as a felony.
According to official statements from May 23, Garrett reportedly stabbed a shark that was caught on his line repeatedly with a knife before releasing it. It is unclear whether the animal survived. The circulated video shows the brutal scene with the subtitle: “Buddy broke my rod.” Garrett later admitted to attacking the shark.
Public Outrage Over Animal Cruelty on the High Seas
Investigators were able to locate Garrett's charter boat in Key West and identify him as the captain on the day of the incident. His company, Second Nature Charters, offers fishing trips starting at 900 US dollars for four hours. On his website, every tour is advertised as an unforgettable adventure with "epic catches."
Major Alberto Maza of the FWC called the behavior "reckless cruelty" and praised the public for the tips that led to the arrest. According to the news channel WPLG Local 10, Garrett justified the attack by saying the shark had stolen his catch.
The FWC reminded that sharks in Florida often steal fish from fishing lines or even bite boat motors – a sign of stable shark populations. Experts advise changing fishing areas when there is high shark activity.
A similar case made headlines in May: another charter captain was sentenced to 30 days in jailfor shooting and poisoning dolphins – even in front of two children.
