Federal agency investigating after online video appears to show man kick sea lion at La Jolla Cove
Federal authorities are looking into a video that appears to show a man kicking a sea lion at La Jolla Cove. The incident, which was posted online Wednesday night, has drawn significant criticism across social media platforms.
In the footage, an individual is seen taunting a sea lion resting on a low wall near a public walkway. The person then kicks the animal in the face and chases it as it attempts to move away from the area. The behavior has triggered widespread calls for accountability.
Sea lions are protected under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. This law prohibits the harassment, injury, capture, or killing of these animals. Potential penalties for violations include substantial fines or jail time, depending on the severity of the incident.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is currently managing the investigation. Because it is an ongoing matter, officials have limited details available to the public. Animal advocacy groups, including the Sierra Club Seal Society and PETA, have shared the video to bring attention to the mistreatment.
NOAA encourages anyone who witnesses a potential violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act to report it immediately. Detailed reports help enforcement officers process these cases. If you have information regarding this specific event, contact the NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement.