Your voices were heard. Nearly 24,000 of you signed Lady Freethinker’s petition to stop the government-sanctioned massacre of green iguanas in Florida. Now, thanks to pressure from animal advocates across the country, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) has clarified its green iguana population control policy.
SIGN: Stop Cruel, Government-Sanctioned Massacre of Florida’s Iguanas
In early July, the FWC released a statement urging Florida residents to “humanely kill green iguanas on their property whenever possible.”
Additionally, the agency reminded readers that no permit is required to kill green iguanas on 22 FWC-managed public properties throughout South Florida and that they can be killed year-round.
The agency’s declaration of open season on green iguanas outraged animal organizations and activists throughout the US, including those who signed Lady Freethinker’s petition to end this horrific call-to-action.
Following the widespread disapproval, the FWC removed the controversial content from their website and subsequently issued a new statement regarding green iguana removal.
“Unfortunately, the message has been conveyed that we are asking the public to just go out there and shoot them up,” FWC Commissioner Rodney Barreto stated. “This is not what we are about; this is not the ‘wild west.’ If you are not capable of safely removing iguanas from your property, please seek assistance from professionals who do this for a living.”
The FWC’s website reminds people that green iguanas are protected by anti-cruelty laws.
The website also suggests ways for homeowners to discourage green iguanas from frequenting their property. These include hanging wind chimes or other noisy materials, hanging CDs with reflective surfaces, filling holes to prevent burrowing, and removing plants that attract the species.
Florida’s green iguana population was partially introduced by escaped and released pets. As a humane alternative to abandoning exotic pets, the FWC encourages Floridians to take advantage of their Exotic Pet Amnesty Program. Through this program, people can surrender their exotic pets without penalties. The pets are rehomed to new guardians who are pre-qualified and have the necessary permits to responsibly care for these beautiful creatures.

Barbaric behavior & idiotic encouragement to allow humans to kill any animal.
I so agree with Cecile Lemay’s comments – humans have no right to make the decision over God’s creatures. No other race of animal is worse than humans themselves when it comes to killing of the animals of this planet. We are no one in the realm of existence no matter what we may all think. The right to kill is not ours to make – it just isn’t – it doesn’t matter what twisted ideas come into play – it is not our right at any time to inflict pain, abuse and slaughter on any animal.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE HUMAN SPECIES THAT THEY INSIST ON KILLING EVERY LIFE ON THE PLANET TO THE POINT OF ENDLESS EXTINCTION!??!?! THEY HAVE NO RIGHT!! THEY ARE THE ONLY SPECIES SINCE THE BIRTH OF THE PLANET THAT HAS KILLED EVERY LIVING BEING FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF GREED!!! STOP THIS BARBARIC KILLING NOW!! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT!! NATURE DOES NOT & NEVER DID BELONG TO HUMANS TO DO WITH WHAT THEY PLEASE!!!
WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE HUMAN SPECIES THAT THEY INSIST ON WIPING OUT EVERY LIVING SPECIES ON THE PLANET!?!!? THEY ARE THE ONLY SPECIES THAT HAS EVER KILLED EVERY LIVING BEING TO THE POINT OF EXTINCTION!!! STOP THIS ENDLESS KILLING NOW, YOU HAVE NO RIGHT!!!
LEAVE THE ANIMALS ALONE.
There are always kinder methods of controlling the species multiplying. One island in south eastern country now dropping the Birth control pills to control their increasing Deer population. Same way some scientifically proven methods must be used to control Iguana’s births. That way no animal needs to be subjected to inhumane massacre & barbaric Blood baths.
VICTORY! — THANK YOU to all the sane, rational, compassionate People out there — we are doomed without you.
stop hurting animals !
stop hurting animals !
All animals should be safe and protected; cruelty needs to STOP!
Les humains, modèle US_trumpiens notamment ont-ils d’autres passion que de tuer les animaux????
Compassion for animals no one has the right to kill them
Because the world was Apalled at this senseless, blatant murdering.
I should think so!
All animals should be protected.
Thank You ! Keep protecting the Iguanas and other wildlife.
It’s a shame it takes cruel, heartless stories like this to wind up in the media before the laws will attempt to do anything about it. They don’t think about helping until its brought out in the news and people have to sign petitions to get action started. Otherwise the pathetic government, laws, judicial systems we have to live by is useless. Great america.
Fantastic!!
Humans need to find better ways at managing animal issues. Killing shouldn’t be the way.
I’m so glad to hear that but why was it put into effect in the first place?
Take care Coreen
lets hope that the citizens abide the chg in this law.