San Diego: (RightNow) A teenager in San Diego, California, has admitted to assaulting a seal. This incident is a violation of the U.S. federal law ‘Marine Mammal Protection Act’.

In court, 18-year-old Tyler Meule confessed to the crime. A video showed him kicking a seal on the San Diego beach.

Tyler told the court he attacked the seal on the night of July 22. According to U.S. officials, this act is not only illegal but also dangerous for animal welfare.

Violating the seal protection law carries a sentence of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Media reports suggest the judge may consider a reduced sentence due to the confession.

It is noteworthy that there have been previous incidents of tourists attacking marine life, such as throwing stones at seals in Hawaii.