COCONUT CREEK, FLA. (WSVN) - A South Florida college community is reeling after, witnesses said, six Muscovy ducks were beaten and shot with pellet guns near a campus in Coconut Creek, an attack that left four of them dead.
According to witnesses, a group of women went out to feed the ducks behind Broward College North Campus, in the area of Coconut Creek Boulevard and Northwest 39th Avenue, when they came upon the bloodied animals.
“There were four dead ducks, blood all over the place, and several ducks hurt and injured flopping around on the ground,” said Tina Lauccarelli, one of the women who made the disturbing discovery.
A picture taken at the scene shows one of the ducks left in the grass. Witnesses said some of the animals had been shot in the neck.
The area is normally known as a safe haven for stray animals.
Witnesses believe a rowdy group of people spotted near school grounds, Friday, may be behind the crime. “They were over there in the woods partying,” said Lauccarelli, who works nearby. “There was evidence on the ground: shoes, beers, a baseball bat, a package of pellets that were used.”
Lauccarelli said they found the ducks after spotting the revelers’ cars parked in the distance. “Two vehicles sitting towards the back, a white pickup truck and a little silver car,” she said. “As soon as they saw the girls coming from this end, they took off in their vehicles.”
The women told 7News they weren’t going to let them get away that easily. “I tried to stop them with my vehicle. It’s the end of the road, and they went onto the golf course and fled,” said Lauccarelli.
News of this animal attack has since been circulating around campus. “We’ve had about 10 cats disappear,” said Lauccarelli. “We don’t know for sure if that is what’s happened to them. but in the past few weeks we’ve lost over 10 cats.”
Coconut Creek Police are still searching for the person or people behind this crime.
If you have any information that could help detectives, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
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