Earlier this year, a federally protected sea otter was found dead on a beach near Oyhut, Washington — his body covered in bruises, his hind feet bound. Authorities confirmed what many feared: this animal was deliberately tortured and killed. No one has been held accountable.

This was not an accident. It was a calculated, cruel act against a sentient being, and it cannot go unanswered.

Sea otters are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and for good reason. Once hunted nearly to extinction, Washington’s sea otter population is still recovering. These intelligent animals play a vital role in keeping coastal ecosystems healthy. They are a cornerstone of marine biodiversity, and they deserve not only our protection but our full outrage when one is harmed.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Defenders of Wildlife have offered a $7,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible. But time is passing, and the perpetrator remains free.

We demand:

• A full federal investigation into this crime, using every available resource;
• Maximum legal penalties upon arrest, including fines and imprisonment under federal law;
• Greater public awareness of wildlife crime reporting hotlines, so these brutal acts are not ignored or buried.

We also call on local, state, and federal authorities to treat this case with the seriousness it demands. Violence toward animals is a red flag, not only for broader criminal behavior, but for the weakening of the values we share as a society.

This sea otter’s death was cruel, illegal, and heartbreaking. Let’s make sure it is not forgotten and that justice is served not just for him, but for every wild animal who suffers at human hands.

Sign now to demand justice for the tortured sea otter and to strengthen protections for all wildlife.