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The man was taken to police custody and faced charges of animal abuse and possession of controlled substances.
Christopher Haltado, 32, was arrested by a Ventura police officer on Tuesday after surveillance footage showed attacks on a beach marine mammal along the Ventura Beach Promenade.
An employee at the Ventura Police Station was monitoring beach cameras when he witnessed Hartado slamming sea lions with a large stick multiple times, officials said.
Police officers were sent to the scene and tried to escape on foot before detaining Hartado. The officers also recovered methamphetamine on his person, they said.
He has since been booked to the Ventura County Jail to await a felony charge of animal abuse and possession of a controlled substance and charged with violating federal laws to protect marine mammals.
Officials say the sea lions were suffering from domo acid poisoning. This is a toxin that naturally occurs in algae that is potentially lethal to marine mammals such as sea lions and dolphins. In recent years, high levels of neurotoxins have caused extensive beaches for sea lions and other marine mammals who are too sick to swim and can experience life-threatening symptoms such as seizures, brain damage and unpredictable behavior.
Toxins are naturally washed away from the animal’s body, but medical intervention may be required for repeated exposure. Officials say it is very important that sick animals are left unattended to protect them and the public.
The Channel Islands Marine Wildlife Institute responded to monitor the health of this particular sea lion. The animals were then taken to the treatment centre for observation.
“On arrival, she responded well, but appeared to have clinical signs of domoic acid toxicity. Our medical team determined that the best thing we do today was not to induce further stress today,” a CIMWI official said. “She is being observed at this point and is resting comfortably. [Wednesday]A complete physical examination will be performed using a diagnostic test. ”
The Ventura Police Department said it is important for public cooperation in protecting local wildlife in the area. That includes giving marine mammals appropriate space, not touching, moving or feeding them when they are beached.
“Your cooperation can prevent dangerous encounters for both people and wildlife,” the police department’s press release said.
Marine mammals, including seals and sea lions, are protected at the state and federal level, and if you encounter an injured or sick person, we recommend calling Cimwi Rescue Hotline at 805-567-1505.
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