Authorities Hunt for Attacker After Wild Donkeys Shot with Arrows in Riverside County

A multi-agency investigation is underway after two federally-protected wild donkeys were discovered shot with arrows in the Moreno Valley area, sending a shockwave through communities that view the animals as local icons. The cruel attacks have prompted a public plea for information from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

According to a statement released Tuesday, the Sheriff's Moreno Valley Station is actively investigating two separate incidents. Deputies are working in close coordination with officers from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Riverside County Animal Services to locate the injured animals and provide them with urgent veterinary care. The current condition and whereabouts of the donkeys have not been confirmed.

Wild burros are a common sight in the foothills and canyons of Riverside County, including areas bordering the Coachella Valley, and are protected under state and federal law. Harming them is not only an act of cruelty but a significant criminal offense. Officials are reminding the public that attacking these animals can lead to both misdemeanor and felony charges, with potential fines reaching as high as $20,000.

"These troubling acts are being taken very seriously," the Sheriff's Department stated, emphasizing their commitment to animal welfare and holding the perpetrators accountable. This is not the first time the region's beloved burros have been the target of such violence, with similar incidents sparking community outrage in past years. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the attacks to come forward and assist in the investigation.