Hundreds of Ducks Surrendered to County Available for Adoption

SAN JACINTO (CNS) - Nearly 500 ducks taken in today during a Riverside
County Department of Animal Services investigation will be up for adoption
starting today.
  

The waterfowl were surrendered Tuesday by a resident under
investigation for maintaining an illegal sanctuary where overcrowding had
become a significant problem, raising concerns about the ducks' welfare,
according to the Department of Animal Services.
  

The agency said the property is in Anza and it had been visited by
animal control officers previously, resulting in confirmation that the owner
had intended ``to maintain an animal sanctuary for the birds.''
  

However, the site and upkeep were determined to be inadequate,
officials said, adding that the property owner concluded officers' findings
were correct and agreed to voluntarily give up the 480 ducks.
  

``Our main priority is the safe transport and intake of these
animals,'' Department of Animals Services Assistant Director Kimberly Youngberg
said. ``We cannot provide long-term shelter care for this number of animals, so
it's important we work quickly to find placement with rescues, adopters and
organizations willing to assist this week.''
  

The ducks have undergone examinations in a joint effort by animal
services and the California Department of Food & Agriculture. There were no
indications of diseases.
  

``Limited assessments show the animals did not receive adequate
caretaking,'' according to the Department of Animal Services.
  

Chief Veterinarian Dr. Itzel Vizcarra said overcrowding often leads to
``stress and decreased immune function'' among species.
  

``Inadequate nutrition, particularly vitamin A deficiency, can impair
the lining of the digestive tract, predisposing birds to inflammation and
secondary illness,'' Vizcarra said.
  

All of the ducks have been placed at the San Jacinto Valley Animal
Campus, which will open at 11 a.m. Wednesday. The campus is located at 581 S.
Grand Ave. in San Jacinto.
  

Individuals and nonprofit rescue groups were invited to visit, see the
ducks and start the adoption process -- immediately. All adoption fees will
be waived. Prior to taking any ducks home, however, residents were encouraged
to double check that no municipal or other regulations might be violated by
keeping ducks.
  

Inquiries about the fowl can be emailed to shelterinfo@rivco.org.
  

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