The death and decapitation of a bottlenose dolphin found on the shores of Lea-Hutaff Island in Pender County remains under investigation.
The decapitation has been determined to be intentional, which is a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Supporter Spotlight
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to a criminal conviction or civil penalty of the person or people responsible, according to a NOAA release.
The dolphin was found by a member of the public April 15 near marker 105 of the undeveloped barrier island and reported to the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline.
NOAA’s stranding partner network, the University of North Carolina Wilmington, responded to the call and found the 8-foot dolphin, according to the release.
“They determined that someone intentionally removed its head between April 16 and April 18, after they received the initial stranding report,” the release states.
An initial health assessment of the dolphin indicates the animal was carrying a bacteria called Brucella, which can be transferred to humans through direct contact. Results of a necropsy, or an animal autopsy, are pending.
Supporter Spotlight
Anyone with information leading to the successful identification and/or arrest, conviction or civil penalty assessment of those involved may call NOAA’s enforcement hotline at 800-853-1964. Tips may be left anonymously, but to be eligible for the reward a name and contact information must be provided with the hotline.
Violators may be punished for up to $100,000 in fines and up to one year in jail.
