Aphrodite and Dolphins

Hunting of dolphins is an abomination. A man
Who willfully brings about their death,
Can approach the gods no more. They will
Not love him for his offerings. His touch
Pollutes their altars, and he defiles all
Those who live below his roof. As much
As they loathe the murdering of men
Do the gods loathe to have death's doom
Brought on these chieftains of the deep.

-Oppian, 2nd Century, on dophins, who are sacred to Aphrodite, as quoted in Geoffrey Grigson's The Goddess of Love.