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La Jolla teen pleads guilty to kicking sea lion under federal law
Fox News • • nation
Key Points:
- Tyler Muehl, an 18-year-old from La Jolla, California, pleaded guilty to repeatedly kicking and harassing a sea lion, violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
- The incident, captured on video and investigated by NOAA, showed Muehl kicking the sea lion multiple times as it tried to escape, causing distress to the animal.
- Muehl admitted the video was an accurate depiction of the event and faces up to one year in prison and $100,000 in fines, with sentencing scheduled for October 20.
- Authorities emphasized the illegality and danger of intentionally striking marine mammals, while animal rights group PETA condemned the assault on social media.
- U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon highlighted the federal nature of the crime, underscoring the serious consequences for harassing wildlife.
