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 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 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."
Staff member in dark leather jacket with arm band, talks with a seated man, probably father of the boy and girl who stand by, and husband of wife standing waiting their turn at Santa Anita Assembly Center for the Japanese.
Don and Angela Wood, owners of Arcadia Fastprint, provide a free service to owners of lost pets by giving them 50 fliers bearing a photo of their pet to help in their search.