480 Ducks Removed from Riverside County Animal Sanctuary

Overcrowding and improper care prompt large-scale animal welfare operation

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:23pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph depicting a flock of ducks swimming in a peaceful pond, with the surrounding environment blurred into soft, warm shapes and colors, conceptually representing the tranquility and fragility of animal sanctuaries.The removal of hundreds of ducks from an overcrowded animal sanctuary raises concerns about the challenges of maintaining proper animal welfare standards in private sanctuaries.Riverside Today

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has taken possession of 480 ducks surrendered by the owner of an animal sanctuary in unincorporated Riverside County. The large-scale operation was prompted by concerns over overcrowding and improper caretaking of the waterfowl on the property.

Why it matters

The removal of hundreds of ducks from an animal sanctuary highlights the challenges of maintaining proper animal welfare standards, especially for large-scale operations. It raises questions about the oversight and regulation of private animal sanctuaries to ensure the health and safety of the creatures in their care.

The details

Animal Control Officers inspected the property as part of an ongoing investigation into the welfare of the ducks. The relinquishment was the result of overcrowding, with limited assessments showing the animals did not receive adequate caretaking. Concerns about improper nutrition, sanitation, and stocking density contributed to the decision to remove the ducks from the property.

  • The Riverside County Department of Animal Services took possession of the 480 ducks on April 15, 2026.
  • Advocates created a Facebook page in November 2024 to raise awareness about concerns over the care of the ducks at The Duck Sanctuary.

The players

Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS)

The county agency responsible for overseeing animal welfare and conducting the operation to remove the ducks from the sanctuary.

Howard Berkowitz

The owner of The Duck Sanctuary in Anza, where the 480 ducks were housed.

Dr. Itzel Vizcarra

The Chief Veterinarian at RCDAS, who provided insights on the health and welfare concerns of the ducks.

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What they’re saying

“Overcrowding can contribute to stress and decreased immune function. Inadequate nutrition, particularly vitamin A deficiency, can impair the lining of the digestive tract, predisposing birds to inflammation and secondary illness.”

— Dr. Itzel Vizcarra, Chief Veterinarian, Riverside County Department of Animal Services

What’s next

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services is actively coordinating care and intake for the 480 ducks at the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus, where they will be available for adoption on Wednesday, April 15. Rescue organizations and individuals interested in adopting can contact the department.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of proper oversight and regulation of private animal sanctuaries to ensure the health and well-being of the animals in their care. It underscores the need for stricter standards and more robust monitoring to prevent situations of overcrowding and inadequate caretaking that can compromise the animals' welfare.