Wild Burros Shot With Arrows In Riverside County, Suspect(s) Sought

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Someone is shooting Riverside County's wild burros with arrows, and the sheriff's department said Tuesday night that the disturbing animal cruelty is being investigated.

"The Moreno Valley Sheriff's Station is aware of two recent incidents in which wild donkeys were found injured by arrows," the law enforcement agency said. "These troubling acts are being taken very seriously and deputies are actively assisting the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Riverside County Department of Animal Services in efforts to locate the injured animals and ensure they receive prompt veterinary care."

The agency shared an image of a wounded burro standing in open space with an arrow stuck in its flank (see above).

"We remind the public that harming a donkey — or any animal — is a criminal offense," the sheriff's department continued. "The safety and welfare of animals in our community is a priority, and we are committed to holding those responsible accountable."

The latest cruelty against wild burros was not the first.

In 2022, a wild burro wandering in a canyon north of Moreno Valley was shot with an arrow, causing an ultimately fatal injury and prompting an animal cruelty investigation. No arrests were announced. Read more: 'Shameless' Attack On RivCo Wild Burro Sparks Outrage, Suspect Sought

In 2018, a wild burro in Moreno Valley was pierced with an arrow. The animal was rescued, but no arrests were announced. Read more here: Burro Shot With Arrow West Of Beaumont Is Rescued

Anyone with information about cruelty toward the wild burros is asked to contact the Riverside County sheriff's 24-hour dispatch center at 951-776-1099 or the Riverside County Department of Animal Services at 951-358-7387.