A dolphin has been found shot to death on a beach, prompting authorities to offer a reward for information.
A member of the public discovered the bottlenose dolphin on a beach near New Orleans, Louisiana, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said.
The aquatic mammal was recovered by Audubon Aquarium Rescuewho carried out an autopsy which revealed “several bullets lodged in the carcass, notably in the brain, spinal cord and heart”.
“The animal appears to have died as a result of trauma occurring at or shortly before the time of its death,” NOAA added.
NOAA is now offering a $20,000 (£16,000) reward for information leading to a criminal conviction or assessment of a civil penalty, following the March 13 discovery.
Harassing, harming, killing, or feeding wild dolphins is prohibited in the United States under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Those found guilty of breaking the laws can face civil or criminal prosecution, with penalties of up to a year in prison and a $100,000 (£80,000) fine.
Scientists say that bottlenose dolphins are highly intelligent and exhibit self-awareness, problem-solving, empathy, innovation, teaching skills, grief, joy and playfulness.
