A 32-year-old man was arrested at Ventura Beach for allegedly attacking a sick sea lion with a stick, as observed by police via remote cameras. The sea lion was suffering from domoic acid poisoning. The police found methamphetamine on the man during his arrest. He is facing felony charges including animal cruelty and violating federal laws protecting marine mammals. Local and federal authorities are collaborating on the investigation, emphasizing the cruelty of the incident under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
"It is a crime under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to intentionally harass or injure sea lions," NOAA's Greg Busch said. "We are grateful for the quick response by the Ventura Police Department and look forward to working with them..."
"At the time of the attack, the sea lion was alive but suffering from domoic acid poisoning, a naturally occurring toxin in algae that can be harmful to marine mammals," police said.
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