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Deadly Attacks on Wild Burros in Reche Canyon Prompt Urgent Search
Animal control officers seek public's help to identify two dogs and their owner responsible for fatal mauling of a wild burro.
Apr. 5, 2026 at 8:18pm
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Animal control officers in Riverside County are asking the public for help in identifying two dogs and their owner responsible for a recent fatal mauling of a wild burro in Reche Canyon. This incident is part of a string of attacks on the area's wild burro population that have resulted in the deaths of 22 animals over the past two years, with only four successfully treated and saved.
Why it matters
The attacks on the wild burros in Reche Canyon have sparked outrage in the local community and raised concerns about the safety and welfare of these protected animals. The perpetrators have not been caught, leading authorities to offer a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and prosecution.
The details
On Tuesday, a black-and-tan German shepherd mix and a large black Cane Corso attacked and killed a wild burro along Keissel Road north of Moreno Valley. An alert passerby captured the mauling on camera and reported it to authorities. Animal control officers searched the area but were unable to locate the dogs or their owner. In addition to the recent fatal attack, 21 other wild burros have been targeted in the Reche Canyon area over the past two years, with 14 incidents occurring in the last 10 weeks alone. The attacks have resulted in extreme injuries, with most of the injured burros having to be euthanized.
- The latest fatal attack on a wild burro occurred on Tuesday, April 5, 2026.
- Over the past two years, a total of 22 wild burros have been targeted in the Reche Canyon area.
- In the last 10 weeks, 14 attacks on wild burros have been reported.
The players
Riverside County Department of Animal Services
The local animal control agency investigating the attacks on wild burros in Reche Canyon and appealing to the public for help.
DonkeyLand
A Riverside-based nonprofit organization that has posted a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the individual or individuals responsible for the attacks on wild burros.
What they’re saying
“Because of a resident's quick action filming and reporting the incident to us, we are now looking for the public's help to find these two dogs.”
— Lesley Huennekens, Riverside County Department of Animal Services Commander
“The donkey in the attack is deceased.”
— Riverside County Department of Animal Services
“I was shocked to discover the whole industry of trainers (using) dogs as bite protection dogs.”
— Chad Cheatham, Vice President of DonkeyLand
What’s next
Animal control officers are continuing their investigation and urging the public to contact them with any information that could help identify the dogs and their owner responsible for the fatal attack.
The takeaway
The attacks on wild burros in Reche Canyon have become a growing concern for the local community, with authorities offering a substantial reward in an effort to put an end to the violence and protect these vulnerable animals.
