Teen Kicks Sea Lion 4 Times, Faces Jail
Tyler Muehl, 18, pleads guilty to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act and could face up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine for kicking a sea lion in California
An 18-year-old man has pleaded guilty to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act after kicking a sea lion in La Jolla Cove, California. Tyler Muehl faces up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine for the incident, which was captured on video and went viral on social media.
The incident occurred on July 22, when Muehl kicked the sea lion four times, causing the animal to flinch and recoil. Muehl referred to himself as 'Max Holloway' during the incident, and admitted to chasing the sea lion and kicking it multiple times.
Muehl pleaded guilty in federal court and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 20. The case has drawn widespread attention and condemnation, with San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria calling the attack a 'disgusting act of animal cruelty'.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits harassing or hunting oceanic animals, and the crime carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Muehl's guilty plea is a significant development in the case, and highlights the importance of protecting marine wildlife.
## What happens next Muehl will be sentenced on October 20, and could face up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and protecting marine wildlife, and the consequences of violating federal laws designed to protect these animals.
