Abandoned pet turtles, specifically red-eared slider turtles that are native to Louisiana, are turning up at the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia (shown in photograph), Huntington Library, and local golf courses. It is illegal to buy turtles less than 4 inches long and to dump them. They threaten to push out the state's only native turtles species in urban and natural waters here.
Arcadia Recreation Department event "Arcadia Pet Show." A baby is seated next to a turtle or tortoise. Written on back of photograph is "July 13, 1974." Stamped on back is "Milton K. Bell, Photographer, 174 N. Madison Ave., Monrovia, CA. July 11, 1974."
Arcadia Recreation Department event "Arcadia Pet Show." A young girl displays her rare turtle. Written on back of photograph is "Special most rare turtle, Maggie Yvette Luna, July 13, 1974." Stamped on back is "Milton K. Bell, Photographer, 174 N. Madison Ave., Monrovia, CA. July 11, 1974."
Arcadia Recreation Department event "Arcadia Pet Show." A young girl stands next to her dog. Dog is wearing a tutu. Written on back of photograph is "Special Award, July 13, 1974." Stamped on back is "Milton K. Bell, Photographer, 174 N. Madison Ave., Monrovia, CA. July 11, 1974."
Arcadia Recreation Department event "Arcadia Pet Show." Man wearing a sweater vest is holding onto a duck, a toddler stands nearby. Written on back of photograph is "Fowl most unusual, Don Dugo or Don Diego (?), July 13, 1974." Stamped on back is "Milton K. Bell, Photographer, 174 N. Madison Ave., Monrovia, CA. July 11, 1974."
Arcadia Recreation Department event "Arcadia Pet Show." Several children sit on benches with about seven birdcages between them. Written on back of photograph is "Parakeet Row."
The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Control, which has licensing responsibility in Arcadia, has increased its fees from $2.50 to $3.50 for spayed dogs and from $5.00 to $7.00 for non-spayed animals.
More than 40 cats and kittens have taken over a foreclosed house in Arcadia and while most neighbors are complaining, some are feeding and trying to find a home for the cats. The house, at 381 Walnut Avenue, has been described as "one big litter box."
