Cameron Parish, Louisiana – A tragic incident unfolded on the shores of West Mae’s Beach in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, where a lifeless dolphin was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds. The heartless act has sparked outrage and concern among investigators, who are now offering a reward of up to $20,000 for any information leading to the perpetrators.
The young bottlenose dolphin’s body was reported to the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline, prompting a swift response from authorities. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries department has taken charge of the investigation, sending the mammal for a necropsy at the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans to determine the extent of its injuries.
Upon examination, it was revealed that the dolphin had sustained fatal gunshot wounds, with bullets found lodged in critical areas such as the brain, spinal cord, and heart. The NOAA stated that the trauma appeared to have been the cause of death, occurring at or near the time of the incident.
Now, the NOAA’s law enforcement division is actively pursuing leads to identify and prosecute those responsible under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. A conviction could result in hefty fines of up to $100,000 and a prison sentence of one year for the offenders.
Bottlenose dolphins are classified as protected species, and any harm inflicted upon them is strictly prohibited by law. While the NOAA lists potential threats to dolphins, such as vessel strikes and water pollutants, deliberate acts of violence like shootings are not common occurrences but have devastating consequences when they do occur.
Sadly, this is not an isolated case of cruelty towards dolphins. Similar incidents have been investigated in the past, including the deaths of dolphins in Florida due to gunshot wounds and stabbing, as well as a dolphin in Texas that was harassed to death by human interaction. These tragic events underscore the urgent need for stricter enforcement of regulations and heightened awareness of the protection of marine life.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the recent incident in Louisiana to come forward and contact the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964. The reward offered serves as a beacon of hope for justice to be served in honor of the innocent dolphin whose life was senselessly taken.