IF YOU HAVE INFO CALL THE NOAA HOTLINE (800)853-1964 24/7

PETA offered a $5,000 reward Wednesday for information that would lead to the arrest of those responsible for kidnapping a baby sea lion from it’s mother at Dockweiler Beach at 3 a.m. on Sunday.

A witness who saw a group of two men and two women in their early to mid 20’s harassing the animal reportedly then put it in a blanket and drove away with it in the trunk of their black 2-door Honda heading south on Vista Del Mar. Here is the LAPD radio call from 3a.m.

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If the animal has not been returned to its natural habitat by this point, it has more than likely died. They are not household pets and cannot survive in a bathtub full of tap water.

“The seal pup has already suffered greatly from the trauma of being separated from his or her mother,” said PETA Senior Director Martin Mersereau. “It is most likely terrified, lacking proper nutrition, and in desperate need of rescue.”

The sea lion’s condition and whereabouts remain unknown at this time.

“PETA is urging anyone with information about this kidnapping to come forward immediately so that if this pup is alive, he or she can receive medical care and hopefully be returned to the sea,” added Mersereau.

Kidnapping a sea lion pup is punishable by fines of up to $10,000 and up to a year in jail, authorities said.

No arrests have been made in connection with the kidnapping.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hotline at (800) 853-1964.

(800)853-1964 Hotline 24/7

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Law Enforcement
501 West Ocean Blvd Suite 4300 Long Beach, CA 90802

Well, just when you think people can’t be anymore savage and disgusting… a group of 4 in their 20’s took a baby sea lion off the beach last night, put it in the trunk of their car and drove off. Witnesses saw the group throwing things and teasing the animals, who based on their size were left on the beach as the mother foraged for food. They got a blanket, wrapped it around the juvenile pinneped and put it in the trunk of their car and left. The witnesses called police when they saw the group teasing the animals… but they left by the time LAPD arrived. The car was described as a 2 door black Honda Civic. The occupants are described as being total assholes. Earlier in the night LAPD cited and called parents of several drunk juveniles who were partying at the beach. As usual… need more patrol and cameras in all of these locations. Listen to the audio of the police call below!

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What to do if you see a stranded sea lion or seal:

• Do not approach or touch the animal. It is a federal offense to disturb them, and they may bite when threatened. Marine Mammals / pinnipeds are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.

• Do not push, chase or coax the animal back into the water. It may need rest and if you push it back in the water it may drown.
• Do not pour water on the animal. Pouring water on it may only further serve to debilitate a sick or injured animal.
• Do not feed. Feeding the animal something other than what it is accustomed to may lead to illness and even death.

And another video of what to do made by yours truly a long time ago…