May 10, 2023 - News

Duck killings lead to push for wildlife protections, special election

Martin Vassolo

Palmetto Bay residents during last month's vigil for the euthanized ducks. Photo: Courtesy of the DUCK Committee

After holding a candlelight vigil to mourn the deaths of more than 20 Muscovy ducks, a group of Palmetto Bay residents wants to pass a local referendum banning the village from harming wildlife.

Driving the news: The resident-led DUCK Committee (Dedicated Union for Conservation and Kindness) wants to ban the killing of wildlife unless the animal is threatening humans, sick or considered a pest.

Group member Mark Merwitzer tells Axios the group needs approval from the village attorney to proceed and then will have to gather about 1,800 signatures to get the referendum on a future ballot.
Merwitzer said the group plans to call for a special election on the duck referendum and a separate petition related to public comment during commission meetings.

Catch up fast: In February, the village received a complaint about an aggressive duck chasing a girl near Coral Reef Park and hired a trapper to kill the invasive birds, the Miami Herald reported.

Commissioners voted last week to craft an ethical wildlife management plan, per the Herald.

Add Axios on Google

Duck killings lead to push for wildlife protections, special election

More Miami stories