Dolphin Slaying - A child has made a written confession to killing an adult male dolphin with a hunting arrow off the coast of Florida.
According to reports from the National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration, the juvenile, whose identity has been withheld, admitted to killing the dolphin and the weapon used in the crime has also been seized.
"NOAA federal agents are grateful to other enforcement agencies assisting with the case as well as the help received from the public and the media," the report read.
Reports indicate that on Dec.6 the body of the bottlenose dolphin was found floating along the Orange Beach in Alabama.
According to federal authorities, the dolphin was found with the hunting arrow stuck in it side. The dolphin reportedly died from an infection incurred from the arrow wound which it lived with for five days before succumbing.
The news of the dolphin slaying caused an outrage with many animal rights advocates and animal lovers condemning the incident.
According to local reports a $45,500 reward for anyone with information that leads to arrested . The reward, which is the highest ever put up for the death of a dolphin, was placed was contributed by several animal and environmental organizations and from one private citizen.
Shooting and slaying dolphins is a crime - violators of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which disallows the harassment, seizing or causing serious injury to mammals such as dolphins in U.S. waters could be sentenced to a year in jail or pay fines up to $100,000, depending on the case.
NOAA investigators have not yet specified what charges would be pressed against the juvenile and when his case would be unsealed.
NOAA has also not received any information leading to any arrests in relation to the slaying of a pregnant dolphin before Thanksgiving on Choctawhatchee Bay in Mirama Beach, Florida.
Authorities are urging anyone with critical information regarding the dolphin to call 850-729-8628 or NOAA Enforcement hotline 1-800-853-1964. A $2,500 reward has been put up by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation for anyone with information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of the culprit.
