Detectives Seek Public’s Help After Mass Killing of Egyptian Geese in Cooper City
COOPER CITY – Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) detectives from the Special Victims Unit are investigating a shocking case involving the killing of 30 Egyptian geese in a quiet Cooper City neighborhood. Authorities are asking for the public’s assistance to identify those responsible for the incident, which occurred around 7:45 p.m. on December 28.
The Incident
Witnesses reported that an off-road vehicle, resembling an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), was seen driving through a canal-side area near Southwest 49th Street and 120th Avenue. The vehicle reportedly struck the geese intentionally, with witnesses describing the scene as cruel and deliberate.
“They’re circling around, running them back over again,” said Brian Schaffer, a local resident who witnessed the aftermath. Schaffer described the perpetrators, believed to be four to five young adults, as laughing and making crude remarks during the attack.
Surveillance Footage Released
Investigators have released surveillance footage showing the suspected vehicle driving through the area. The footage revealed the ATV entering the Flamingo Townhomes subdivision after the attack, which occurred in a lake easement area between the Flamingo Gardens West neighborhood and the Countryside Shops Plaza.
BSO hopes that the released images will help identify the suspects and bring them to justice.
Disturbing Aftermath
Brian Schaffer said he collected nearly 30 dead or dying geese after the group fled the scene. One injured bird, found with two broken legs, was taken to a veterinarian for treatment by Schaffer and his wife, Serena.
Serena Schaffer recalled confronting the group during the attack. “When I put the light to them, I said, ‘What are you doing?’ And they started screaming bad words, just laughing,” she said.
The couple described the incident as deeply troubling. “It’s sick,” Brian Schaffer said. “Somebody has a twisted mind that needs help because that preludes to other things that this world is dealing with.”
Legal Implications
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission noted that Egyptian geese are an invasive species in Florida and are not protected under state wildlife laws. However, animal cruelty laws still apply, and those responsible could face serious charges.
Community Assistance Needed
Detectives urge anyone with information about the vehicle or individuals involved to contact Detective Charoudis Dimos at 954-321-4243. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477), **TIPS (8477) from a cellphone, or online at browardcrimestoppers.org.
A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
As the investigation continues, BSO emphasized the importance of community involvement in solving this disturbing case and preventing future acts of animal cruelty.
