A dolphin that was found stranded on the shores of Louisiana was discovered to have many bullet wounds riddled throughout its body.
In order to locate the individuals involved, federal authorities are now offering a substantial prize.
The dolphin’s demise was officially declared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Fisheries Service on Tuesday.
The lifeless body of the mammal was discovered on Mae’s Beach in Cameron Parish on March 13.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) conducted a necropsy, which is an examination of an animal’s body after death, on the carcass.
During the examination, it was discovered that there were several bullets embedded in the brain, spinal cord, and heart. An image of the deceased dolphin has been circulating, although it does not seem to depict the reported bullet holes.
Regardless of the outcome, authorities are providing a monetary incentive of $20,000 to anyone who possesses information that can result in the identification and punishment of the individuals responsible for the dolphin’s demise, either through a criminal conviction or a civil penalty.
The Marine creature Protection Act criminalizes the act of hunting, harassing, capturing, killing, or attempting to do so, to any marine creature, which includes dolphins.
Offenders are subject to fines of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for a maximum of one year per infraction.
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