Federal authorities are investigating after a video surfaced online appearing to show a person chasing and kicking a sea lion, allegedly at La Jolla Cove in California, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said on Friday.
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NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement is investigating the video, which appears to have been posted Wednesday night and has garnered outrage as it has spread on social media.
“In the video, the individual appears to be kicking the sea lion,” a NOAA Instagram post said. “This is an ongoing investigation, and we cannot provide further details at this time.”
The sea lion appears to have been sitting atop a low wall that separates the colony at La Jolla Cove from a public walkway. The video shows a person who appears to be a young man taunt, then kick, the sea lion in the face, before chasing the animal as it tries to escape along the wall.
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Sea lions are protected under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, making it illegal to harass, harm, pursue, feed, capture, injure, restrain or kill the animals. Such actions may be punishable through fines or jail time, NOAA said.
“If you witness a potential Marine Mammal Protection Act violation, the best way you can help is to report the incident immediately to the NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement at 800-853-1964,” NOAA said. “Investigations are most effective when detailed information is provided. Please provide as much information as possible regarding the incident witnessed.”
The video was shared widely online by the Sierra Club Seal Society and PETA.
“Assault is ASSAULT, no matter the species. This abuser laughed while harassing and kicking a sea lion who was desperately trying to escape,” PETA said in a statement on social media Friday. “Thanks to everyone who reported it; the case is now under investigation. Leave animals ALONE, and always speak up when you witness abuse.”
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