Dead dolphin found on Louisiana beach with ‘bullets lodged’ in brain, spine, and heart

Wildlife officials in Louisiana are looking for answers following a horrific incident. A young bottlenose dolphin was discovered dead on Cameron Parish’s West Mae’s Beach last month. The horrific reality emerged from a necropsy carried out by Audubon Aquarium Rescue, a partner organization of NOAA: the dolphin’s body was full of bullets that were embedded in its heart, brain, and spinal cord.

With a mission to identify the person responsible for this senseless act, the Office of Law Enforcement at NOAA has begun an investigation. A substantial $20,000 reward is being offered in support of their efforts for any information that results in the identification and prosecution of the offender or the imposition of civil penalties.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that, according to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, it is illegal for anyone to intentionally hurt, harass, kill, or even feed wild dolphins. Penalties for violators are severe and can reach $100,000 in addition to possible jail time.

The significance of safeguarding our marine wildlife is brought home by this tragic incident. Hopefully, the investigation will result in prompt justice and deter future cruelty.