The rash of attacks on wild donkeys in Reche Canyon is growing, and animal advocates think someone is using the wild burros as bait, possibly for dog-fighting rings.
Since the beginning of last year, there have been at least 15 attacks on donkeys, and only three wild burros have survived.
Sandi, a spokesperson for the non-profit Donkeyland that helps save wild donkeys in Reche Canyon, told KNX News it started with donkeys being attacked with bows and arrows, but has now escalated.
In the latest attack, she said one donkey was beheaded, and another one is suffering from injuries. That donkey is being treated at SoCal Equine Hospital in Norco, and the vet said her injuries are "very similar to a lot of dog attacks."
Sandi added that it’s not clear if the bow and arrow attacks are connected to the latest attacks, but she does think in the most recent cases, the donkeys are being used as bait.
“It could be that they're using these donkeys as bait to teach their dogs to attack,” she said.
Sandi says there is now a $75,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible.
The Riverside Sheriff's Department is investigating.
DonkeyLand is holding a free, in-person community meeting on Monday, March 23, at Sandals Church Hunter Park in Riverside at 6:30 p.m. Learn more by clicking here.
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