Reward Offered as Outrage Grows Over Brutal Attacks on Inland Empire Donkeys

Community concern rises after nearly two dozen wild burros found brutalized in Reche Canyon near Moreno Valley.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 5:19am

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A $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for a series of brutal attacks on wild donkeys in Reche Canyon near Moreno Valley, California. Residents and animal welfare groups are outraged by the attacks, which have left many of the donkeys severely injured or dead. Authorities believe the donkeys may have been attacked by trained dogs, with the wounds suggesting intentional and targeted attacks.

Why it matters

The wild donkeys have roamed the Reche Canyon area for decades, and their well-being is a source of pride and concern for the local community. The attacks have sparked outrage and a demand for justice, as well as questions about the lack of law enforcement response so far. The case highlights the challenges of protecting vulnerable wildlife populations in urban-adjacent areas.

The details

According to reports, nearly two dozen wild donkeys have been found brutalized in Reche Canyon, with most of the injured animals suffering from gruesome injuries to their ears, faces, and tails. One donkey was even found shot with an arrow, while another was decapitated. Authorities believe the attacks may have been carried out by trained dogs, as the wounds appear to be intentional and targeted rather than the result of typical predatory behavior. The non-profit organization Donkeyland, which maintains over 2,000 acres to protect the donkeys, says that only 4 out of the 21 attacked donkeys have been able to be saved, with the rest having to be euthanized due to the severity of their injuries.

  • The attacks on the donkeys have been ongoing for several months, with the earliest known incident occurring in September 2025.
  • A town hall meeting was held on Monday, March 24, 2026 to address the community's concerns and demand action from law enforcement.

The players

Donkeyland

A non-profit organization that maintains over 2,000 acres to protect the wild donkeys roaming the Reche Canyon area.

Riverside County Department of Animal Services

The local law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the attacks on the donkeys and appealing to the public for information.

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What they’re saying

“Something's going on. It's scary. I love the donkeys where I'm at.”

— Theresa St. Germain, Riverside Resident

“It's abhorrent that they are leaving the animals out there to suffer, and the vast majority of them have had to be euthanized because of the injuries to their genitals.”

— Abigail Ware, Loma Linda Resident

“We need to find out who's doing this. I mean, it's severe animal cruelty. Four out of like 21 have been able to be saved. The other ones we have to euthanize, and we don't even know how many are wandering the hills and dying out there without help at all.”

— Sandi Resheske, Donkeyland

What’s next

Investigators and residents are hoping the $50,000 reward will be key to solving the attacks. Anyone with information is urged to call the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of protecting vulnerable wildlife populations in urban-adjacent areas, as well as the need for a strong community response and effective law enforcement action to address incidents of severe animal cruelty. The outrage expressed by residents underscores the importance of these wild donkeys to the local community.