Canby Police Department

Press Release

March 07, 2008 3:45 PM

Mother Mallard Duck Mutilated in Canby City Park ****WARNING GRAPHIC PHOTOS****

On 3-6-08 at about 9:15am, a mother mallard duck was mutilated at the Canby City Park by two male juveniles who were skipping classes from Canby High School.

Canby Police were notified of this horrific crime by another Canby High School student, who contacted the Canby Police School Resource Officer who is assigned at the school.

The witness reported that he saw the two juvenile suspects throwing rocks at nesting ducks at the Canby City Park. The suspects hit a mother mallard duck with a rock, stunning it long enough for one of the suspects to grab it.

The suspects then attempted to cut the ducks head off with a knife and then moved to the rear of the duck and pulled two eggs from inside the female duck. The witness reported that the duck was still alive while the two suspects took turns doing this to the duck.

One of the suspects then allegedly took a softball sized rock and hit the duck several times on the head. The suspects then began to cut and pull the intestines from the duck. The witness reported that he saw one of the suspects throwing eggs from the duck at people in the park.

One of the suspects told investigating officers that they were having a barbecue and ran out of food, so they decided to kill a duck to eat.

The Canby City Park has a pond and is located near the Molalla River. The park is the home to numerous ducks that are fed daily by citizens who visit the park. According to investigating officers, there were multiple citizens and city park workers that were visibly shaken by this terrible crime.

The two male juvenile suspects, who are ages 17 and 15 years old were arrested by Canby Police and charged with Aggravated Animal Abuse I which is a Class C Felony. Both suspects were transported and lodged at the Clackamas County Juvenile Reception Center.

Canby Police encourage any witnesses to this crime to contact them at 503 266-1104.