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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Irwin fans 'in revenge attacks' | Irwin fans 'in revenge attacks' |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| Dead stingrays with their tails cut off have been found in Australia, sparking concern that fans of naturalist Steve Irwin may be avenging his death. | Dead stingrays with their tails cut off have been found in Australia, sparking concern that fans of naturalist Steve Irwin may be avenging his death. |
| Mr Irwin, a TV personality known as the "Crocodile Hunter", was killed while diving in Queensland when a stingray's barb stabbed him in the chest. | Mr Irwin, a TV personality known as the "Crocodile Hunter", was killed while diving in Queensland when a stingray's barb stabbed him in the chest. |
| Since then, 10 stingrays have been found mutilated on Queensland beaches. | Since then, 10 stingrays have been found mutilated on Queensland beaches. |
| Government officials said they were investigating the deaths and there could be prosecutions. | Government officials said they were investigating the deaths and there could be prosecutions. |
| Two stingrays were found at a beach north of Brisbane with their tails cut off, while eight were found on another beach on Monday, The Australian reported. | Two stingrays were found at a beach north of Brisbane with their tails cut off, while eight were found on another beach on Monday, The Australian reported. |
| Wayne Sumpton of the state fisheries department said it was not clear if the incidents were connected to Mr Irwin's death. | Wayne Sumpton of the state fisheries department said it was not clear if the incidents were connected to Mr Irwin's death. |
| He said fishermen who inadvertently caught stingrays sometimes cut off their tails to avoid being stung, but such a practice was uncommon. | |
| 'Protect wildlife' | 'Protect wildlife' |
| Mr Irwin was well-known for his work with Australian wildlife | Mr Irwin was well-known for his work with Australian wildlife |
| Michael Hornby, a friend of the late naturalist and executive director of Mr Irwin's Wildlife Warrior fund, condemned any revenge killings. | Michael Hornby, a friend of the late naturalist and executive director of Mr Irwin's Wildlife Warrior fund, condemned any revenge killings. |
| "We just want to make it very clear that we will not accept and not stand for anyone who's taken a form of retribution. That's the last thing Steve would want," he said. | "We just want to make it very clear that we will not accept and not stand for anyone who's taken a form of retribution. That's the last thing Steve would want," he said. |
| "I hope everyone understands we have to protect wildlife now more than ever. This is what Steve was all about." | "I hope everyone understands we have to protect wildlife now more than ever. This is what Steve was all about." |
| Stingrays are normally placid, but when they feel under threat, a sharp, poisonous spine in their tail flicks up. | Stingrays are normally placid, but when they feel under threat, a sharp, poisonous spine in their tail flicks up. |
| A public memorial service for Mr Irwin will be held next week. | A public memorial service for Mr Irwin will be held next week. |