Authorities say a man who allegedly defeated a sea lion suffering from domo acid poisoning in Ventura Beach was arrested Tuesday morning.
Surveillance footage captured a man who was later identified as 32-year-old Christopher Haltado assaulting a California sea lion on Harbor Boulevard, according to a news release from the Ventura Police Department. The man was pounding animals on the beach with a big stick.
Officers detained Hartado as he tried to escape and found methamphetamine, police said. Hurtado was booked for alleged felony animal cruelty, felony possession of a controlled substance, and violations of federal law protecting marine mammals.
The sea lions were suffering from domo acid poisoning, officials said. California State Parks officials have notified the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
California’s adult sea lions were taken to a supervised treatment center, according to the Channel Islands Marine Wildlife Institute.
“Deliberately relucting or hurting sea lions is a crime under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. We appreciate the prompt response by the Ventura Police Department and look forward to working with them and California State Parks in this investigation,” said Greg Bush, assistant director of the National Maritime and Atmospheric Administration’s Law Enforcement Agency.
Domain acids are neurotoxins produced by harmful algae flowers that accumulate in filter-feeding fish such as anchovy and sardines. These fish are then eaten by seals, sea lions and dolphins.
Exposure damages the brain and heart of a mammal. Symptoms include seizures, head movements known as “starskies,” and coma. Experts advise humans not to interact with animals that are thought to be sick, as they may bite or charge without warning.
Animals can be treated, but it is difficult for adult women to move to facilities that weigh up to 250 pounds and adult men to 1,000 pounds.
Marine animals are protected by state and federal laws. If you see an illness or injured animal, please call the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute Rescue Hotline at (805) 567-1505.
The California Wildlife Center has been getting 50-100 messages daily for sea lions suffering from domo acid toxicity since the outbreak was reported off the coast of Malibu.
A similar outbreak affecting more than 70 sea lions was recorded last summer, with two dolphins and two husils along the coast of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
