A man was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly attacking a California sea lion suffering from domoic acid poisoning at Ventura Beach. Authorities reported that Christopher Hurtado, 32, was caught on surveillance footage striking the beached animal with a large stick on Harbor Boulevard.
When the police arrived, Hurtado attempted to flee but was detained. Officers discovered methamphetamine in his possession. He now faces several charges, including felony animal cruelty, felony possession of a controlled substance, and violations of federal laws that protect marine mammals.
The sea lion was taken to a treatment center for monitoring. Domoic acid is a neurotoxin produced by harmful algal blooms that can accumulate in fish, affecting animals that eat them, like sea lions. Symptoms of poisoning include seizures and a head motion known as "stargazing."
Greg Busch, Assistant Director at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement, emphasized that intentionally harming sea lions is a crime under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. He praised the Ventura Police Department for their swift response to the incident.
This event highlights ongoing concerns about marine animal health, especially with recent reports of sea lions along the Malibu coast suffering from similar poisoning. If you see an injured or sick marine animal, you’re encouraged to contact the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute for help.