West Seattle sea-lion deaths: Humane Society offers reward

Since we broke the story here on WSB this morning, there’s been regional and national attention for the shooting deaths of at least five sea lions that washed up here in West Seattle. Newest development – this just in from the Humane Society of the United States:

The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the deaths of five sea lions.

* Dan Paul, Washington state director for The HSUS, said about the case: “The individual or individuals responsible for this callous poaching have an appalling disregard for both sea lions and the laws that exist to protect these iconic animals. The Humane Society of the United States applauds the National Marine Fisheries Service for investigating this case.”

* Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the National Marine Fisheries Service at 1-800-853-1964.

The Humane Society also points out that since the sea lions are federally protected, a convicted poacher could face a fine up to $50,000. 5:20 PM UPDATE: Robin Lindsey with Seal Sitters has updated their site with the results of a necropsy on a harbor seal found dead – THAT one was natural causes.

8 Replies to "West Seattle sea-lion deaths: Humane Society offers reward"

  • d February 12, 2010 (4:47 pm)

    Wow. I surely hope somebody out there reading heard gunshots or loud cracks/reports while they were on a boat, or near shore.

    Or perhaps some one heard these moronic, low IQ criminals bragging about their slaughter. In a bar perhaps? At a marina?

    Keep your ears and eyes open Marine Communities of Puget Sound!

    I have to imagine that more than one person is responsible. It doesn’t seem feasible that one
    person/boat could find, let alone track that many
    animals. Does it?

  • Veronica February 12, 2010 (6:28 pm)

    I guess it soon won’t matter who killed the seals… On the NOAA home page, their new Administrator Jane Lubchenco announced she has frozen the hiring of all National Marine Fisheries Criminal Investigators. I guess we can thank former Washington Gov., now Commerce Secretary Gary Locke for hiring her to look out for both the fishermen and our resources.

  • Ms Evelyn February 12, 2010 (7:44 pm)

    What a horrible crime done by Man!(?). Whoever you are, YOU are a disgusting creep. But it is highly unlikely that your able to read this.
    Shame On U!!!

  • SeaLuva February 12, 2010 (7:45 pm)

    All Seals/Sea-lions are Salmon murderers!!! Thank You for protecting our Salmon. God Bless you!! And now I’m gonna get back to that Seal song: “…but we’re never gonna survive, unless, we are a little crazy” I love that song…

  • Living in West Seattle Since 1985 February 13, 2010 (12:24 am)

    Someone MUST know SOMETHING! I hope they find who did that!

  • WSDad February 13, 2010 (1:43 pm)

    many studies of individuals/persons who have been cruel to animals or who have killed/shot animals indiscriminately show that they often later injure or attack humans as well.It’s often the earmark of a psychopathic personality.This person should and will be found quickly,before they move on to the more dangerous game.

  • Micheala February 13, 2010 (5:23 pm)

    So sad someday they will pay. we are killing the earth and her creatures as fast as we can……who will stand up? you? me? we better

  • BMC February 14, 2010 (12:19 pm)

    Don’t like shots being fired – enough of that in WSea already!

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