A distressing picture shows a dolphin lying dead on a beach after being shot.
Horrified wildlife activists have called for the killer to be brought to justice after the animal was found in Manhattan Beach, California, yesterday.
The killing has been branded a "vicious act of brutality", and an investigation has been opened.
In a Facebook post, rescue organisation Marine Animal Rescue said it was offering a $5,000 reward – the equivalent of £3,900.
The group wrote: "There is NO excuse for such brutality against these beautiful animals.
"We are offering a $5,000.00 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person that shot the dolphin. Your help is appreciated."
Founder Peter Wallerstein told NBC News he could not understand why anyone would kill a dolphin.
He said: "It’s just a vicious act of brutality."
A bullet was retrieved from the animal’s body at the Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles, Mr Wallerstein said.
He said he had never known of a dolphin being shot in more than 30 years.
Mr Wallerstein stated: "I’ve had sea lions shot but never had a dolphin," he said. "But maybe the dolphins have drifted back into ocean, we don’t know."
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