PETITION TARGET: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement, West Coast Division
A disturbing nighttime video that circulated online appears to show a young man mockingly adopting a fighter’s stance before repeatedly kicking at a California sea lion resting on the edge of a seawall in San Diego’s La Jolla Cove area, according to local news.
As another person laughs and records, the sea lion desperately tries to escape — but the man mercilessly pursues the animal and continues the attack, appearing to land multiple kicks to the sea lion’s face and body.
California sea lions are iconic marine mammals protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and NOAA recommends observing them from at least 50 yards away. Yet rather than being given the respect and space they deserve, this vulnerable animal was treated as though they were nothing more than a punching bag, with their distress seemingly viewed as entertainment.
Although federal wildlife authorities have reportedly opened an investigation into the incident, they must act swiftly and use every available resource to identify the individual(s) responsible, help ensure they are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, and deter similar acts of cruelty.
Sign our petition urging authorities to thoroughly investigate this case so that no animal suffers this type of abuse in the future.
