FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are asking for the public’s help identifying a juvenile suspected of aggravated animal cruelty after, investigators said, he was captured on surveillance video killing a duck in Fort Lauderdale.
According to Fort Lauderdale Police, the incident occurred Sunday along the 300 block of Southwest Eighth Avenue.
Investigators said officers responded to the home in reference to a possible animal abuse investigation.
Detectives said the homeowner had called police after seeing the juvenile trespassing on his property. He then watched the security footage from his Ring camera.
The video shows the juvenile chasing the duck before he corners it and catches it. Seconds later, he is seen stomping the bird on its neck, killing it.
Neighbors who watched the video say it is appalling.
“I was appalled that that would even happen in this neighborhood, for that to happen and see the photo, it is obviously very bad,” said Ross Schmidt a concerned neighbor. “You know, you don’t know what’s inside people’s minds, but it’s definitely a very big anger issue and he wasn’t brought up right or he wasn’t thinking properly.”
7News spoke with a representative from the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, who said the video was shocking and concerning.
“It’s not normal behavior for children to abuse animals,” said PETA Emergency Response Team Director Kristin Rickman. “Just like abuse of the elderly and abuse of children, animal abuse is everyone’s business.”
Officers confirmed the homeowner’s claim and obtained the surveillance video.
The end of the video was blurred because it was too graphic.
“This animal was at the complete mercy of the child, unable to escape the fence and undoubtedly experienced extreme fear and pain as his or her bones were crushed and organs destroyed,” said Rickman.
Broward County Animal Control officers arrived at the scene to remove the deceased duck.
A woman who works nearby says watching the video brought her back memories of a similar incident in Cooper City where 30 Egyptian geese were intentionally run over by a group riding on a golf cart.
She says this latest incident makes her sad.
“I feel like we are failing them as a society. Parents, teachers, everybody. Kids are very loving when they are small. Who knows what’s going on in his life,” she said.
Rickman is hopeful the juvenile’s parents will come forward.
“I think that the parents in this case should give strong consideration to coming forward to officials and bringing their child in,” said Rickman. “Children need to learn that actions have consequences and that when we hurt others, we also pay a price.”
PETA also warns that this is a sign all parents should take seriously.
“Experts have shown that children who abuse animals are more likely to act violently towards human beings later in life,” said Rickman.
The police department’s Animal Cruelty Unit is actively working to identify the individual and is urging anyone with information to come forward. They said they are investigating the case as aggravated animal cruelty.
Officials urge anyone with information to contact FLPD or Officer Lowe of the Animal Crimes Unit at 954-579-4944, via email at alowe@flpd.gov, or call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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