Please Don't Feed Wild Donkeys: RivCo Officials Plead With Public

MORENO VALLEY, CA — Increasing numbers of wild donkeys are wandering close to roads north of Moreno Valley, and motorists were reminded Thursday not to feed the animals because they can enter traffic and be hit, which also could lead to driver injuries.

"These burros are very smart and will continue to migrate to areas where people have been known to provide food for them," Riverside County Department of Animal Services Cmdr. Chris Mayer said. "We want to remind everyone that such actions are illegal."

The undomesticated donkeys sometimes herd in Reche Canyon, especially near Pigeon Pass Road.

A motorist hit several burros there in 2005, leaving her fatally injured and the donkeys dead. A similar accident happened last July a few miles to the north, along Interstate 215, where a cement truck and two cars struck and killed five burros. One motorist suffered moderate injuries.

"People love the cuteness of the burros, and feeding them (carrots and fruit) may seem very innocent," Mayer said. "But people may not realize the risk they are causing to passing motorists and possible injuries and deaths of the burros, too."

To deter people from stopping and feeding the donkeys, animal control officers will be stepping up patrols, issuing citations to anyone caught in the act, according to the Department of Animal Services.

"We want to educate the public further, but we will also be forced to issue citations if people continue to feed these wild animals," agency Director Julie Bank said.

County Ordinance No. 934 makes it unlawful to feed, pet or otherwise draw the donkeys toward roadsides. Violators can be fined anywhere between $100 and $500, depending on the number of infractions.