Multiple Bullets Lodged in Body of Dolphin Found Shot Dead on Beach in US
An unfortunate discovery was made on a beach – a dolphin was found shot dead, leading officials to seek information with a reward offer.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that a member of the public found the bottlenose dolphin on a beach near New Orleans, Louisiana.
The dolphin was retrieved by Audubon Aquarium Rescue, which conducted a necropsy that revealed the presence of “multiple bullets lodged in the carcass, including in the brain, spinal cord, and heart”.
According to the NOAA, the trauma from the bullets appeared to have caused the death at or near the time of the incident.
Following the discovery on 13th March, the NOAA is offering a reward of $20,000 (£16,000) for any information leading to a criminal conviction or the assessment of a civil penalty.
In the US, it is prohibited to harass, harm, kill, or feed wild dolphins under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Violators of these laws can face civil or criminal prosecution, with possible penalties of up to a year in prison and $100,000 (£80,000) in fines.
Scientists highlight the intelligence of bottlenose dolphins, noting their abilities in self-awareness, problem-solving, empathy, innovation, teaching skills, grief, joy, and playfulness.
