Authorities Looking For Person Who Tied Turtle To Balloons

OCEANSIDE (CBSLA.com) — Authorities are looking for suspects in an animal abuse case involving a turtle that was duct-taped to helium balloons.

A resident was outraged by what he saw and videotaped the turtle as it was swinging it arms up in the air.

Soon after, the balloons got caught in some trees and firefighters were able to rescue the reptile.

"I bet it was terrified, dangling back and forth because the wind was pushing it side to side," said Joel Rabago, who saw the turtle.

"It's animal abuse. I mean, if you didn't want the turtle give it away, take it to a pet store. There's lots of agencies for turtles," Chanelle Wright said.

Authorities say the person responsible could face animal cruelty charges.