NEED TO KNOW
- A boy was caught on camera chasing, stomping and killing a duck in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on Jan. 18
- The child is being referred to as a suspect in an aggravated animal cruelty investigation
- The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest
Police are searching for a young boy who allegedly stomped a duck to death in an incident that was caught on video.
The alleged act of animal cruelty occurred near the 300 block of Southwest 8th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Jan. 18, and authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, CBS News Miami reports.
The boy was recorded on camera running towards the duck with another child. The boy chased the duck, caught it and then stomped on the animal seven times, ultimately killing the bird, according to CBS News Miami.
Nearby neighbors said the neighborhood has noticeably fewer ducks since the incident, and it is much quieter.
Neighbor Dan Burkett described the animal cruelty as “brutal,” adding, “I’m glad someone was there to stop it but yeah it’s really disheartening to see something like that in my backyard,” per Local 10.
One video viewer, Tyler Sutten, called it “an incredibly disturbing sight,” NBC 6 reports.
Anyone who recognizes the child or the child’s family is asked to contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s Animal Cruelty Unit or Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493‑TIPS. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
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PEOPLE reached out to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for comment.
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