Dolphin found dead on shore with bullets in head, back, and chest.

Last month, a dolphin was discovered dead with gunshot wounds on a beach in Louisiana. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is now providing a $20,000 reward in exchange for details about the perpetrator of this heinous act.

The juvenile bottlenose dolphin was discovered on West Mae’s Beach in Cameron Parish, Louisiana on March 14.

Following the discovery, the Audubon Aquarium Rescue, a partner of NOAA’s stranding network, retrieved the dolphin’s body and took it to the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans for examination. The necropsy exposed that the dolphin had been shot multiple times in its brain, spinal cord, and heart.

Officials determined the dolphin died from trauma, which occurred at or near the time of death. 

NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement has launched an investigation into the dolphin’s tragic demise and is offering the cash reward for any leads that could lead to the apprehension and prosecution of the individual responsible or for imposing a financial penalty.

Harassing, harming, killing, or feeding wild dolphins is outlawed under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. 

Violators face fines up to $100,000 and up to a jail in prison.