Christopher Hurtado, 32, was arrested on Tuesday in Ventura, California, after allegedly beating a beached sea lion with a stick. According to the Ventura Police Department, surveillance footage captured Hurtado striking the marine mammal multiple times along the Ventura Beach promenade. Officers arrived at the scene and apprehended Hurtado as he attempted to flee on foot. They also found methamphetamine in his possession.
Hurtado has been booked into the Ventura County Jail, facing felony charges for animal cruelty, possession of a controlled substance, and violating federal laws protecting marine mammals. The sea lion, suffering from domoic acid poisoning, was taken in by the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute for observation. Domoic acid is a toxin found in algae that can cause severe symptoms in marine mammals, such as seizures and brain damage.
Authorities urge the public to avoid disturbing beached marine animals, as they are protected by state and federal laws. If an injured or sick marine mammal is encountered, the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute rescue hotline should be contacted at 805-567-1505.
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