WAN’s Most Wanted; Help DonkeyLand Identify Perpetrator Who Shot & Wounded A Wild Burro With An Arrow In Riverside County, California

Photos from DonkeyLand

A wild burro with who was shot and had an arrow dangling from its ear was gently captured in Riverside County, California.

Spirit, the injured animal, which has since been transported to SoCal Equine Hospital in Norco, California, was initially noticed on Wednesday of last week wandering around the Inland Empire’s Reche Canyon where hundreds of burros are known to gather. An animal services officer reportedly was able to take a photo that revealed that the arrow was gone, but sadly, the wounds it left behind remain.

“This is our third time trying to capture him; third time’s the charm,” noted non-profit organization DonkeyLand on its Facebook page. “We don’t know if a piece of the broken arrow is in his head or eardrum, we don’t know if he has an infection, we don’t know if he will require surgery, but he is in good hands with our surgeon Dr. Wan.”

“Three outraged animal lovers have come forward to offer a reward for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this horrible act of animal cruelty by shooting this innocent free-roaming wild burro with an arrow. Everybody needs a safe way to give information about something they know or even suspect without fear of retaliation for telling the truth,” the post continued stating that the generous reward is now at $3,000. “Help be the voice for these innocent animals today.”

Anyone with information regarding this case can send anonymous tips by emailing dhorn@riversidesheriff.org or calling Riverside County Department of Animal Services at (951) 358-7387.

Longtime animal advocate and former game show host Bob Barker recently donated to DonkeyLand to help it in its efforts to purchase 460 acres to be used for a sanctuary for the wild donkeys.

“Our wild burro emergency rescues involve safely capturing, providing onsite first-aid treatment, transporting to the hospital, rehabilitating, castrating the males rescued, then releasing the burros back to the wild with their family, as we never want to take away their freedom. Ultimately that is our goal but, in some cases, the ideal situation does not always happen, and the burro becomes a permanent resident of DonkeyLand,” the organization notes on its website explaining that most of their rescued donkeys have usually suffered terrible abuse by the hands of their cruel owners. “We are a forever home for those who can’t be released back to the wild because of a traumatic car accident, injury, illness or a special needs situation. They come to us traumatized, desperate and betrayed. With us, they find love, safety, compassion, dignity, trust, hope and a new beginning.”

Donations to DonkeyLand can also be made HERE!