Dolphin found in Louisiana was shot to death

NEW ORLEANS, La. - NEW ORLEANS (AP) — U.S. officials say someone shot and killed a bottlenose dolphin in Louisiana.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Tuesday that the dolphin had been shot on its right side just behind its blowhole. The bullet was found in its lung.

The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society is offering a $1,500 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person or people who shot the dolphin.

The dolphin's body was found Saturday in a state wildlife refuge.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 forbids harassing, harming, killing or feeding wild dolphins. Violations can be prosecuted either civilly or criminally, with maximum penalties of a year in jail and $100,000 in fines.