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Animal Services Investigating Burro Death

May 4, 2022

Someone Shot Burro With Arrow

Animal Services is investigating a burro death caused by someone shooting it with an arrow.

Riverside County Animal Services officers responded to the injured burro on Saturday morning (April 30) after receiving multiple calls. The California Highway Patrol and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department also received numerous calls about the burro, located in the Reche Canyon area between Keissel Road and Mercadante Lane.

Officers and staff members from nonprofit organization DonkeyLand herded the injured animal to a safe location away from the busy Reche Canyon traffic.

Ultimately, officers loaded the burro into an Animal Services trailer and transported it to the SoCAL Equine Hospital in Norco. A veterinarian and staffers examined and treated the animal, but lifesaving measures were unsuccessful.

“This is highly disturbing that someone would purposely harm a defenseless animal and cause its death,” Animal Services Director Erin Gettis said. “If anyone has any helpful information, we urge them to contact us as we pursue felony animal cruelty charges.”

Commander Josh Sisler said one of his officers handed off the arrow to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. The hope, he said, is that sheriff’s investigators may find fingerprint evidence or other information that can assist in the investigation. He said the burro was left in such a condition that it was likely in severe pain and could not lay down to rest, otherwise causing further suffering.

“We’re certain that someone willfully shot this burro with the intent in killing it,” Sisler said. “The burro was struck in a very vulnerable area and its force was so strong it punctured through to the opposite side of the burro. It’s shameless to maim an innocent animal and cause its demise. We’re hopeful we can find the person responsible for this heinous act.”

Sisler said he encourages Reche Canyon residents, hikers and horseback riders to be on the lookout for anyone suspicious, such as someone with archery equipment or a rifle.

In July 2018 Animal Services responded to a similar incident. However, SoCAL Equine Hospital’s staffers saved the burro in that case. It was rehabilitated and Animal Services’ officers then released the burro back to the wild.