A Florida charter boat captain, Zackery Brandon Barfield, has been sentenced to a month in federal prison for killing dolphins that disrupted his fishing trips, federal authorities announced. Barfield, 31, from Panama City, was also fined $51,000 for his actions, which violated the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, Barfield used a toxic pesticide called methomyl to poison baitfish and fed them to dolphins between 2022 and 2023. He also admitted to shooting the animals with a shotgun. Some of these acts occurred during chartered excursions with passengers, including children, onboard.

Officials from NOAA Fisheries, who led the investigation, say he may have exposed dozens of dolphins to poison. The officials estimated that as many as 70 could have been affected. The case came to light after an anonymous tip sparked an investigation in early 2023.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle Spaven called Barfield’s behavior “selfish and unlawful.” This highlights the cruelty involved and the disregard for federal protections. Paige Casey of NOAA added that the acts were “intentional and heartless.”

Zackery Brandon Barfield pleaded guilty to two federal counts related to harming marine mammals and one for illegal use of pesticides. As reported by NBC News and PEOPLE, he will serve a year of supervised release following his prison term.

#Clique, what are your thoughts?