Federal investigation launched into ‘butchered’ dolphin found on New Jersey beach
A common dolphin, found mutilated on a beach in Allenhurst, New Jersey on October 30, is currently the subject of a federal investigation.
Investigators are looking into the partial remains of a dolphin that appears to have been “butchered,” discovered on a beach in New Jersey.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) received a “very disturbing call” on October 30, prompting a response, as detailed in a graphic post on their Facebook page.
Upon the arrival of the center’s stranding coordinator at the beach in Allenhurst, New Jersey, a butchered common dolphin was found, according to the Facebook update.
The center noted, “The animal’s flesh had been systematically removed with clean cuts made by a sharp instrument, leaving behind only the head, dorsal fin, and tail flukes. Almost all organs were taken out, except for the heart and lungs.”
Live dolphin reported in distress the night before
The previous night, a live common dolphin was seen struggling in the surf nearby, as reported by witnesses. They indicated that the dolphin somehow made it over a sandbar and swam back into deeper waters. It remains uncertain whether the carcass found on the beach is that same dolphin.
The dolphin’s remains were taken to the MMSC facility for thorough documentation and photographic evidence. The carcass was then buried on the beach, per the Facebook post.
The NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement is now involved in investigating this incident, as stated by the MMSC.
NOAA also looking into a dolphin shot with a firearm
The dolphin was discovered on March 13 on West Mae’s Beach in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, following a report from a member of the public. The Audubon Aquarium Rescue took custody of the animal and transported it to the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans for a necropsy.
The results of the necropsy revealed multiple bullets embedded in the dolphin, affecting the brain, spinal cord, and heart. The cause of death was ruled to be the trauma inflicted at or around the time of death, according to NOAA.
The agency has offered a reward of up to $20,000 for any information that leads to a criminal conviction or civil penalty regarding this case. As of now, it is unclear if any arrests have been made or if the case has been resolved.
Bottlenose dolphins are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act in the United States, although they are not classified as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
