US authorities have appealed to the public to try to find the person or persons responsible behind the death of a dolphin, killed by multiple bullets, by offering a US$20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
“An autopsy revealed that the dolphin, a juvenile, had injuries comparable to those of a bullet fired from a firearm. Several bullets were lodged in the brain, spinal cord and heart of the dolphin,” the American National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) noted in a press release on Tuesday, reported by the “New York Post”.
On March 13, the dolphin’s carcass was found lifeless by a member of the public on a beach in West Mae, Louisiana, which showed several bullet holes all over its body.
The dolphin was transported to the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans to be evaluated for injuries.
“The animal appears to have died as a result of the trauma that occurred at the time of its death or shortly before its death,” NOAA said in a press release.
Authorities are offering a US$20,000 reward to those who help identify the person(s) responsible, or whose information leads to an arrest, conviction or assessment of civil penalties.
“Harassing, harming, killing or feeding wild dolphins is prohibited under the Marine Mammal Protection Act,” the public agency added.
Violations for this type of crime may be subject to civil or criminal prosecution and are punishable by a fine of up to US$100,000 and up to one year in prison per violation, according to NOAA.
NOAA can be contacted, anonymously or not, at (800) 853-1964, but name and contact information will be required to be eligible for the reward.
