In a shocking incident of animal cruelty, a juvenile bottlenose dolphin was found dead on West Mae’s Beach in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, with multiple gunshot wounds. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, which is investigating the case, has offered a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to a criminal conviction or the assessment of a civil penalty.
The dolphin's carcass was discovered on March 13, with injuries consistent with being shot by a firearm. A member of the public reported the stranding to the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline. The dolphin was then recovered by NOAA’s stranding network partner, Audubon Aquarium Rescue, and transported to the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans for a necropsy.
The autopsy revealed a grim picture. The dolphin had multiple bullets lodged in its brain, spinal cord, and heart. The trauma, which appeared to have occurred at or near the time of death, was determined to be the cause of death.
NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is seeking the public's help in identifying the person or persons responsible for this act. They are asking anyone with information about the incident to call the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964. While tips can be left anonymously, to be eligible for the reward, callers must include their name and contact information.
The NOAA is looking for information that could lead to the successful identification, arrest, conviction, or civil penalty assessment of the person(s) responsible for this crime. Harassing, harming, killing, or feeding wild dolphins is prohibited under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Violations can be prosecuted civilly or criminally and are punishable by up to $100,000 in fines and up to 1 year in jail per violation.
This incident underscores the importance of reporting any stranded or injured marine animals to the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at (877) WHALE-HELP (877-942-5243). The protection of these creatures is a shared responsibility, and the public's assistance is crucial in bringing those who harm them to justice.
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