Last month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration launched an investigation after a dolphin was found shot to death on a beach in Louisiana. [NOAA] is offering $20,000 for information about those responsible for this sick act.
The juvenile bottlenose dolphin was discovered on March 14 at West Mays Beach in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.
Audubon Aquarium Rescue, NOAA’s Stranding Network partner, recovered the dolphin and transported it to the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans for autopsy, where it found “multiple bullets lodged in the dolphin’s brain, spinal cord, and heart.” found. the agency said.
Officials determined that the dolphin died from trauma that occurred at or just before death.
The agency’s Law Enforcement Division is investigating the dolphin’s death and is offering a reward for information that leads to the arrest, conviction, or civil penalties of the brutal killer.
Harassing, harming, killing, or feeding wild dolphins is prohibited under the following laws: Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Violators face fines of up to $100,000 and up to prison time.
