Federal officials investigating after video appears to show man kicking a sea lion on a California beach
Federal authorities are investigating a video that appears to show a man kicking a protected sea lion on a San Diego beach. Local officials and animal welfare groups have condemned the act as animal cruelty, and the investigation is currently ongoing.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between human recreation and wildlife protection in coastal areas, drawing attention to federal wildlife laws.
SAN DIEGO — Federal officials are investigating a reported incident in which a man appeared to kick and harass a protected sea lion on a city-operated beach. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement is investigating reports of a video that “shows an interaction between an individual and sea lion,” NOAA Fisheries spokesperson Rachel Hager said by email Saturday. “In the video, the individual appears to be kicking the sea lion,” she said. “This is an ongoing investigation, and we cannot provide further details at this time.” A video circulating on social media and reported on by NBC San Diego appeared to show a young man kicking a sea lion that was perched on the edge of the seawall. The person continues to follow the sea lion, kicking at it, as the animal attempts to get away.
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