From Ventura Police Department
Incident: Animal Cruelty, Possession of Controlled Substance Arrest
Location: 400 block Harbor Blvd.
Date/Time Occurred: 3/4/2025 @ 0920
Officer(s) Involved: Ventura Police Patrol and State Parks
Suspect(s): Christopher Hurtado – 32-year-old
Report #: 25-14044
Narrative:
On March 4th, Ventura Police Department surveillance footage captured a male subject, later identified as Christopher Hurtado, attacking a beached California sea lion along the Ventura Beach Promenade. Ventura Police Department employees monitoring the cameras witnessed Hurtado striking the animal multiple times with a large stick.
Responding officers quickly arrived at the scene and detained Hurtado as he attempted to flee the area on foot. Upon searching the suspect, officers discovered suspected methamphetamine in his possession. Hurtado was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail for felony animal cruelty, felony possession of a controlled substance, and violation of federal laws protecting marine mammals.
At the time of the incident, the sea lion was alive but suffering from domoic acid poisoning, a naturally occurring toxin in algae that can be harmful to marine mammals. California State Parks officers responded to assist and notified the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute responded to monitor the animal’s condition.
The Ventura Police Department urges the public to play their part in wildlife protection. It is crucial not to touch, move, feed, or harass any marine mammals. Your cooperation can prevent dangerous encounters for both people and wildlife. Remember, marine mammals like California sea lions are state and federally protected by law. If you encounter an ill or injured beached seal or sea lion in Ventura County, please call the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute rescue hotline at 805-567-1505 for assistance.
