{"id":413143,"date":"2026-07-26T20:16:15","date_gmt":"2026-07-26T20:16:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/413143\/"},"modified":"2026-07-26T20:16:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-26T20:16:15","slug":"feds-hunt-sicko-who-battered-sea-lion-at-la-jolla-cove-near-san-diego-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/413143\/","title":{"rendered":"Feds hunt sicko who battered sea lion at La Jolla Cove near San Diego"},"content":{"rendered":"

The man who kicked a sea lion at the famous La Jolla Cove<\/a>\u00a0earlier this week has feds chasing him for the heartless act caught on camera.<\/p>\n

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration<\/a>\u2018s Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement is now investigating the case.<\/p>\n

\u201cNOAA Fisheries\u2019 Office of Law Enforcement is investigating reports of a video on social media that shows an interaction between an individual and sea lion, allegedly in La Jolla Cove,\u201d the agency said in a social media post<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"VideoThe man sent the sea lion flying with a powerful kick. Instagram\/@pacific.beach<\/p>\n

The Marine Mammal Protection Act<\/a> outlines strict penalties for anyone who harasses, injures or kills wild marine mammals, including dolphins, porpoises, whales, seals, sea lions and manatees.<\/p>\n

Violators may face civil fines reaching up to $11,000, as well as criminal penalties of up to $100,000 and a one-year prison sentence.<\/p>\n

\"ASea lions are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. NurPhoto via Getty Images<\/p>\n

The violent man, as shown in the video, approaches the timid sea lion lying on a low concrete wall. He then goes ahead, kicks it and sends it flying with a powerful kick.<\/p>\n

The man\u2019s assault doesn\u2019t end after the kick as he then chases the sea lion<\/a> with a menacing pose to mock the sea animal. The video also caught bystanders laughing as the punk abused the wild animal.<\/p>\n

The video has gather internet\u2019s attention with animal loves and advocacy agency asking for justice for the sea lion. <\/p>\n

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals<\/a>, or PETA, condemned the terrible act. \u201cAssault is ASSAULT, no matter the species.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis abuser laughed while harassing and kicking a sea lion who was desperately trying to escape,\u201d the organization said in a statement<\/a>.<\/p>\n

NOAA is asking those who may have any information about this incident to come forward. \u201cInvestigations are most effective when detailed information is provided,\u201d the agency said in its statement. <\/p>\n

Witnesses are encouraged to contact the NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement immediately at (800) 853-1964 to report any suspected violations.<\/p>\n

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