Residents, businesses and advocacy groups have cobbled together more than $10,000 in cash and services to offer as a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who speared a loggerhead sea turtle off the Florida Keys.
The 125-pound female turtle was found Aug. 3 off Big Pine Key with a diver's spear through its head. A veterinarian removed the spear. Turtle Hospital founder Richie Moretti said Wednesday that the prognosis for a full recovery is excellent.
Moretti says the Keys community has come together to protest the inhumane treatment of sea turtles. Reward contributions have come from individuals, businesses, Save-A-Turtle in the Keys and two commercial fishing advocacy groups.
Loggerheads are a federally protected species.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
