Teens Run Over Flock of Geese in Cooper City, Leaving Residents Horrified
COOPER CITY, Fla. – A tranquil canal-side neighborhood was shaken to its core when a group of teens, reportedly riding an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), intentionally ran over a flock of Egyptian geese as they rested on a berm. The disturbing scene has left residents horrified, with authorities now working to track down the perpetrators.
The incident occurred near the Countryside Shops, a well-known resting spot for the geese during this time of year. Eyewitnesses Brian and Serena Schaffer were at their dining room table when they heard the commotion and rushed to investigate. What they witnessed was a deliberate act of cruelty.
“We saw the ATV zig-zagging through the flock,” said Brian Schaffer. “It was like a total massacre. They kept going up and down, running the geese over on purpose.”
The Schaffers were visibly shaken by the grisly scene. Brian later recounted, “I already have seven geese in my truck that I picked up. There’s another one, injured and in pain. They’re all dead or dying.”
In a desperate attempt to intervene, Serena Schaffer shouted at the teens and tried to shine a light on them. “I yelled, ‘What are you doing?’” she said. “They just laughed, screamed profanities at me, and kept going.”
The teens, described as four to five individuals possibly in their early 20s, left behind a devastating aftermath. Numerous geese were killed, and others were left severely injured. Some of the animals were seen with broken legs, while others lay motionless across the berm.
Brian Schaffer was able to rescue one injured goose with two broken legs, which he later took to a local wildlife rescue organization. “We gently captured him and brought him to duck heaven,” he said.
Local authorities are taking the matter seriously. Detectives from the Broward Sheriff’s Office are currently leading the investigation. Deputies have been seen on ATVs combing the shoreline for clues, while security footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed to help identify the suspects.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has confirmed that Egyptian geese, although nonnative to the state, are protected under Florida’s anti-cruelty laws. As such, the perpetrators could face serious legal consequences.
The Schaffers are offering a $1,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest. “These kids were laughing like it was a game,” said Serena. “It’s sickening.”
The incident has left the Cooper City community reeling, with many residents calling for justice. The Broward Sheriff’s Office has urged anyone with information to come forward. Meanwhile, the Schaffers, devastated by the senseless act, are calling for an end to such cruelty.
This incident has highlighted the need for greater awareness of animal welfare and the consequences of such actions. As the investigation continues, residents of Cooper City are left to mourn the loss of the innocent geese whose lives were cut short in an unforgivable act.
