Police Identify Juveniles, Parent in Fort Lauderdale Duck Killing Case

Investigation into aggravated animal abuse incident now moves to next phase

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Fort Lauderdale police say they have located and identified the juveniles seen in a Ring camera video that captured the killing of a wild duck on a residential property last month, an incident the agency is classifying as aggravated animal abuse. The department credited public assistance through social media tips for helping identify the juveniles and their parent, allowing police to provide intervention in coordination with the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Why it matters

The case has drawn significant attention from the local community, with residents expressing outrage over the alleged abuse of a wild animal. The identification of the juveniles and their parent is an important step in the investigation, as police work to determine what, if any, charges may be filed.

The details

The incident happened on January 18, 2026, in the 300 block of Southwest 8th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. A homeowner called police after watching footage that showed a juvenile cornering a wild duck on the property and stomping it to death. Investigators obtained video surveillance of the incident and have now identified the juveniles involved, as well as their parent.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at around 5 p.m.
  • Police released an update on the case on February 8, 2026.

The players

Fort Lauderdale Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the alleged aggravated animal abuse incident.

Florida Department of Children and Families

The state agency that is coordinating with police to provide intervention services for the identified juveniles.

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What’s next

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department said the case remains an active and ongoing investigation, and that they have not yet announced any charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of community engagement and the role that public assistance can play in helping law enforcement solve crimes. It also underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the alleged abuse of a wild animal, and the potential consequences that the juveniles and their parent may face.