Florida Keys Captain Arrested for Stabbing Shark on Camera

A Florida Keys charter captain has been arrested after a disturbing viral video showed him repeatedly stabbing a shark before releasing it back into the water.

Zane Porter Garrett, 26, of Stock Island, was charged with felony animal cruelty, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced. The incident, captured on video, prompted public outrage and an FWC investigation that began on May 23.

The footage showed Garrett stabbing a shark caught on his fishing line several times before cutting it loose. Authorities were able to trace the boat to Key West and confirmed Garrett was the captain at the time. During questioning, Garrett admitted to stabbing the animal.

“The careless cruelty displayed in this video is unacceptable,” said Maj. Alberto Maza of the FWC. “I’m proud of the public for reporting this senseless act.”

Garrett was arrested and booked into Monroe County Jail. Wildlife officials are urging the public to report similar incidents through the FWC Wildlife Alert app or hotline at 888-404-FWCC.