Man caught on video kicking sea lion pleads guilty, faces prison time
Summary
Tyler Muehl, an 18-year-old man, pleaded guilty to harassing a sea lion at a San Diego beach by kicking it several times. He faces up to one year in prison under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which protects sea lions and other marine mammals.Key Facts
- Muehl was recorded on video kicking a sea lion multiple times at La Jolla Cove in San Diego.
- He admitted to approaching the sea lion aggressively and kicking it six times total.
- The sea lion was frightened and tried to escape, stumbling on the seawall before reaching the beach.
- Sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, making such attacks a federal crime.
- The maximum punishment under this law is one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
- U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon emphasized that this is a federal crime with federal consequences.
- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has limited enforcement officers in California and relies on partnerships with local authorities.
- NOAA and related agencies take attacks on marine mammals seriously and consider them dangerous for the animals' well-being.
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