Two wild donkeys were found injured by arrows in Moreno Valley, according to a release from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Officials said both the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Riverside County Animal Services are helping to find donkeys to ensure veterinary care.
Although details of the incident were very limited, the sheriff’s department released a photo of the donkey, which appears to have an arrow on its side. The two incidents are linked and it is unclear whether the Sheriff’s Office did not reveal exactly where the donkey was found. There are no known suspects, the release said.
“We’re going to hurt donkeys or remind the public that any animal is a crime,” the release said. “The safety and welfare of animals in our community is a priority and we are committed to keeping them responsible and accountable.”
This is not the first time a wild donkey has been shot by an arrow from the Inland Empire. In 2022, Leche Canyon’s donkey died after an arrow was found downwards.
Wild donkeys are derived from tame donkeys left over by California gold miners over a century ago. The number of wild burros roaming pine forests and surge brush fields has been increasing in recent years, and experts are worried that miniature beasts will overwhelm rare and endangered plant species. San Bernardino County officials approved a new deal with a local nonprofit in April, sterilizing and relocating many pint-sized horses to the sanctuary.
Authorities have asked the public to provide information they may have at (951) 776-1099 or at the Riverside County Department of Animal Services (951) 358-7387.
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