A dead dolphin found on a Louisiana beach was found to have multiple bullets in its body, sparking an investigation and a reward offer. The incident is one of several recent cases of animal mutilation involving protected species, highlighting the need to protect marine life.
A juvenile bottlenose dolphin was found shot to death on a Louisiana beach in March, prompting an investigation by NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement. The agency is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the responsible party. Harassing, harming, killing, or feeding wild dolphins is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, with violators facing fines of up to $100,000 and prison time.
