Orange County Man Killed Duckling, Beat Others Before Tossing Them Into Trash Can: Police

IRVINE, CA — An Irvine man is accused of beating several ducklings, killing one of them, before tossing them into a trash can, authorities said.

The incident happened around 10:52 a.m. Wednesday near Morena and Segura in Irvine, where a mother duck and several ducklings were swimming in a community pool, according to the Irvine Police Department.

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According to investigators, 71-year-old Randall Bertsch, who lives nearby, got into the pool, gathered some of the ducklings and placed them in a box. Shortly afterward, Bertsch used a plastic trash bin and struck some of the ducklings before throwing them into a trash can, police said.

One duckling was found dead, and another suffered severe head trauma and was taken to a veterinary clinic for treatment, police said. The remaining ducklings escaped with the mother duck.

The department's Animal Services Unit and detectives launched an investigation and identified Bertsch as the suspect. After he refused to speak with officers, investigators obtained and served a search warrant at his home, where he was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty.

The case is expected to be submitted to the Orange County District Attorney's Office after detectives complete their investigation.

Anyone needing assistance with ducklings or other wildlife was encouraged to call Animal Services at 949-724-7000.