COOPER CITY, Fla. – Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives from its Special Victims Unit are seeking the public’s assistance in solving a troubling case involving the killing of 30 Egyptian geese in Cooper City last week.
Investigators released surveillance footage Thursday in hopes of identifying the vehicle and individuals responsible.
4 p.m. report:
The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. on Dec. 28, in a quiet canal-side neighborhood near Southwest 49th Street and 120th Avenue.
According to investigators, a witness reported that the geese were run over by an off-road-style vehicle resembling the one shown in the released images. The witness described seeing four to five young adults inside the vehicle.
Detectives said the attack happened in a lake easement area between the Flamingo Gardens West neighborhood and the Countryside Shops Plaza. The vehicle was last seen entering the Flamingo Townhomes subdivision.
Using investigative methods, authorities said they located surveillance footage showing the suspects driving through the area.
“They’re circling around, running them back over again,” witness Brian Schaffer said. “They were giggling when they were driving by.”
The Schaffer’s said they saw a group of four to five people riding the ATV and called the attack intentional. Brian Schaffer said he collected dozens of dead or dying birds after the group fled the scene.
“I already have seven in my truck that I already picked up,” Schaffer said, noting that one injured goose had two broken legs.
The couple managed to capture the injured bird and take it to a veterinarian for treatment. Serena Schaffer recalled confronting the group.
“When I put the light to them, I say, ‘What are you doing?’ And they started screaming bad words, just laughing, just laughing,” she said.
Brian Schaffer said he collected nearly 30 dead geese in total and described the scene as disturbing.
“It’s sick,” he said. “Somebody has a twisted mind that needs help because that preludes to other things that this world is dealing with.”
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, authorities say the individuals responsible could still face charges under animal cruelty laws.
Anyone with information about the vehicle or those involved is urged to contact Detective Charoudis Dimos at 954-321-4243 or submit a tip through the SaferWatch app.
Anonymous tips can also be sent to Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477), online at browardcrimestoppers.org, or by dialing **TIPS (8477) from a cellphone.
Authorities also confirmed that a reward of up to $5,000 is being offered by Broward Crime Stoppers for information leading to an arrest.