MIAMI -- Swimming in Biscayne Bay off the Rickenbacker Causeway, one doesn't have to look very far to find the remains of chickens, ducks and other birds washed up on the shoreline of the beach.

Animal cruelty investigators believe the carcasses are the remnants of Santeria, a religion steeped in controversy for its practice of animal sacrifice.

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Miami-Dade County health officials said they have received numerous complaints about the dead birds from visitors of the beach, but there is nothing that can be done because the religious practice is protected by the U.S. Constitution.

"Our hands are tied," animal cruelty investigator Sergio Tortoriello said. "They do have the right to practice their religion. There's nothing we can do, as far as that goes."

But cries of animal cruelty are echoed by one beach patron who found a wounded duck he believes was part of a failed sacrifice that left it unable to walk.

"This is not right that this is happening here," said the man in Spanish. "This has to stop."