On January 30, biologists with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission found a dolphin near Naples that appeared to have been fatally struck with a bullet or sharp object.
That same week another dolphin on Pensacola Beach with a bullet in its side.
Authorities offered a reward for anyone with information, but so far the investigation is still ongoing. On Monday, NOAA announced it would combine it’s $20,000 offer with a $34,000 pledge from animal rights groups.
According to CBS Miami, there is now a $54,000 reward being offered for information that leads to the person or persons responsible for the deaths of two dolphins in Florida.
“I just can’t believe anybody could be so cruel to do that.”
This isn’t the first time a dolphin has been discovered with a fatal wound.
In May 2019, a dolphin was discovered off Captiva Island with a fatal puncture wound to its head. Since 2002, at least 29 dolphins have been shot or impaled with sharp objects.
Since NOAA’s plea for help, it has received tips, which investigators are still looking into. Meanwhile, locals and animal lovers are hopeful the increase in reward money will prompt the right person to step forward or even deter future crimes.
“If nothing else, it will deter future people,” Allen Walburn, the captain of A&B Charters, told WINK News. “But I think somebody will come out of the woodwork for that kind of money.”
I hope whoever is responsible for this terrible crime is caught and brought to justice. This is absolutely horrible.
Share this to spread the word. Someone knows who did this to these poor animals.
