A Florida homeowners association is putting the brakes on a plan to euthanize a growing population of Muscovy ducks after neighbors took matters into their own hands to save the animals.

For the past several months, the invasive, nonnative ducks have multiplied beyond control in the Sterling Meadows neighborhood, leaving behind significant messes and sometimes sleeping in roads at night.

On Saturday, the Sterling Meadows HOA board announced it would follow a recommendation from a Florida Fish and Wildlife biologist to humanely euthanize the ducks. The plan quickly drew pushback from neighbors.

A group of homeowners then took it upon themselves to capture and transport the Muscovy ducks to a private sanctuary.

“It’s a private farm, nice pond. All fenced in, beautiful. It’s an hour away from here, so they’re not going to be coming back anytime soon,” said homeowner Robert Scott.

Scott and other residents were encouraged to see the community-driven effort to avoid euthanizing the animals — though the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission discourages transporting Muscovy ducks from one location to another.

On Tuesday, 25 ducks were transported to the private farm. Organizers said more ducks are planned to be moved Thursday and Saturday.

“It’s our community. We all pretty much take care of one another here,” Scott said.

The HOA board acknowledged that euthanasia was never its preferred approach, but maintained the Muscovy duck situation remains a community safety and environmental concern.

“We will continue working with residents to identify a humane, responsible solution consistent with FWC and federal guidelines,” the board said in a statement.