California drug user allegedly attacked an ailing sea lion with a stick along the Ventura Beach Promenade.
Meth user attacks sick animal at Ventura Beach
Surveillance footage reportedly captured Christopher Hurtado, 31, striking the marine animal multiple times before officers pursued and detained him, according to police.
Upon his arrest, Hurtado was found in possession of methamphetamine, leading to additional charges.
Authorities have charged Hurtado with felony animal cruelty and possession of a controlled substance. His bail has been set at $20,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
The sea lion involved in the incident was reportedly suffering from domoic acid poisoning, a toxin found in algae that poses a serious threat to marine mammals.
California State Parks officers arrived on the scene to assist the sea lion, while the Channel Island Marine & Wildlife Institute monitored the animal’s condition.
A spokesperson from the institute stated, “At arrival, she was responsive yet appeared to have clinical signs of domoic acid toxicosis. Our medical team determined the best course of action was to not induce further stress today. She is under observation and resting comfortably at this time.”
Ventura Beach sea lion attacker might be charged federally
The Marine Mammal Protection Act, which safeguards sea lions and other marine life, may also lead to federal charges against Hurtado.
Greg Busch, the Assistant Director of NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement, highlighted the significance of the act, stating, “It is a crime under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to intentionally harass or injure sea lions.”
“We are grateful for the quick response by the Ventura Police Department and look forward to working with them and California State Parks on this investigation,” Busch added.
While responding to this case, officials urged the public to avoid interacting with marine animals. “It is crucial not to touch, move, feed, or harass any marine mammals. Your cooperation can prevent dangerous encounters for both people and wildlife,” said the Ventura Police Department.
Man runs down geese with golf cart
This isn’t the only recent case of alleged animal cruelty. Michael McCutcheon of Palm Desert faced arrest after a shocking incident where he reportedly used a golf cart to chase two geese at Chaparral Country Club.
McCutcheon allegedly struck one of the birds with a golf club and disposed of it in a dumpster while it was still alive. The severely injured goose was later euthanized.
Residents of Chaparral expressed outrage, with community member Betsy Patterson describing the act as “unconscionable.”
She added, “This level of malicious intent and cruelty is beyond my comprehension.”
The homeowners’ association is reportedly limited in its response, but residents are calling for McCutcheon to face severe penalties, including fines and a permanent ban from the golf course. Legal proceedings are ongoing, with McCutcheon already released on bond.
Man stabs rattlesnake
Meanwhile, a separate case in Erie, Indiana, saw Dominik S. Biddinger, 22, facing charges of cruelty to animals after allegedly stabbing his girlfriend’s snake.
Police responded to Biddinger’s residence after he called them to take custody of several reptiles, including snakes owned by his girlfriend.
When informed that law enforcement does not impound reptiles, Biddinger allegedly stabbed a western diamondback rattlesnake in the head. Officers reported that the venomous snake survived the attack.
When police arrived at the scene, Biddinger reportedly barricaded himself in a bedroom and resisted arrest, allegedly attempting to disarm an officer by grabbing their firearm.
Authorities found six snakes in the home, including a ball python, an albino Burmese python, and a reticulated python, as well as a bearded dragon. The animals were turned over to the Erie Reptile Expo for proper care.
Biddinger now faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated cruelty to animals and disarming a law enforcement officer, along with resisting arrest. He was placed in Erie County Prison on a $100,000 bond.
