Wildlife officials search for animal abusers who shot, stabbed and killed 3 dolphins

Wildlife officials are asking for the public’s help to find those responsible for the horrific deaths of three dolphins found shot, stabbed and killed.

Biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said they found a dolphin dead from a wound caused by a bullet or sharp object last week in Naples.

Earlier that week, officials with the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge found another dolphin that had been shot in Pensacola Beach.

The death of those two dolphins may also have been connected to another dolphin who was found dead with a puncture wound in its head in Captiva Island in May, officials said.

In the wake of the dolphin deaths, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced they are offering $20,000 for information that leads to the apprehension, civil penalty or criminal conviction of those responsible, according to The Miami Herald.

According to the NOAA, at least 29 dolphins have been impaled or shot by bullets and arrows since 2002.

Hunting, killing or feeding wild dolphins is illegal and comes with a penalty of up to $100,000 in fines and a year behind bars, according to the NOAA.

Biologists suspect that the recent string in dolphin deaths may be connected with people feeding the animals, which can result in dolphins putting themselves in dangerous situations after associated people with food.

Officials said dolphins are more likely to be hurt by boat strikes or fishing gear than intentional acts of violence.

The NOAA is urging anyone with information regarding the deaths of the dolphins to call them, adding that tips may be left anonymously.