Riverside County animal-control officers are asking for the public's help to track down two dogs after a donkey was killed near Reche Canyon on Tuesday. A resident recorded the attack on a cell phone, and officers later patrolling in the Keissel Road area confirmed the donkey had died. The dogs are described as a large black Cane Corso and a black-and-tan shepherd mix.
Resident’s video kicks off urgent search
Riverside County Department of Animal Services Field Commander Lesley Huennekens said the resident's quick decision to film the attack and report it immediately pushed investigators to go public for tips, according to NBC Los Angeles. Officers contacted the person who shot the video, then canvassed nearby homes for information while the department shared what it had with partner agencies.
String of brutal attacks in Reche Canyon
This latest killing is part of a broader pattern of violence against wild burros in the Reche Canyon area, where advocates and officials say roughly 21 animals have been targeted since 2025, according to the Los Angeles Times. Some donkeys have been found shot with arrows and others with severe bite wounds, a combination that has rattled residents and galvanized rescue groups.
What investigators say and the legal stakes
County animal services officials told members of the Board of Supervisors that forensic evidence points toward domestic dogs, possibly trained to be aggressive, as playing a role in many of the injuries, according to MyNewsLA. They said owners who intentionally bring dogs to attack burros could face felony animal-cruelty charges. Officials also warned that allowing dogs to roam off leash in burro habitat can result in misdemeanor citations while investigators work to identify suspects.
How to report tips
Anyone with information, or who spots an injured wild animal, is urged to call the Riverside County Department of Animal Services call center at (951) 358-7387, as noted by NBC Los Angeles, or contact the Riverside County Sheriff’s Station at (951) 776-1099, according to the Los Angeles Times. Officials say clear photos or video can be especially useful for tracking the animals involved.
Community outrage and organizing
Volunteers with DonkeyLand and nearby residents filled a town hall meeting this month, pressing authorities for more patrols, prosecutions, and faster rescues of injured burros, according to ABC7. Local advocates say quick reporting, along with sharing any photos or videos, could be crucial to stopping further attacks.
