Reward Doubles In Search For Abductors Of Baby Sea Lion In LA
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Authorities continued to search Monday for four suspects who abducted a baby sea lion from it's mother.
The baby sea lion was kidnapped from Dockweiler State Beach around 3:30 a.m. on April 19, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
A preliminary investigation revealed two men and two women -- who are all in their early to mid 20s -- threw rocks and cinder blocks at the baby sea lion, wrapped the animal in a blanket, and then drove away in a black Honda Civic.
Detectives explained the vehicle has a license plate number that ends in "56," and was last seen driving south on Vista Del Mar.
The baby sea lion's condition and whereabouts remain unknown at this time.
"Someone knows who was out on the beach that night, who stole the pup, and who drove away separating this vulnerable baby from his or her mother and the sea," said PETA Senior Director Martin Mesereau.
On Wednesday, PETA offered a $5,000 reward for information that would lead to the arrest of those responsible for kidnapping the baby sea lion from it's mother.
Shera Danese, the widow of longtime PETA supporter Peter Falk, contributed an additional $5,000 to the reward today.
"PETA is calling on anyone with any clues about this case to contact the authorities immediately so that these cruel people can be held responsible for their crimes," said Mesereau.
Kidnapping a sea lion pup is punishable by fines of up to $10,000 and up to a year in jail, authorities added.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hotline at (800) 853-1964.
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