Cane corso and shepherd mix hunted after brutal donkey attack
Riverside County is on high alert as authorities intensify the search for two dogs implicated in a series of increasingly violent attacks on wild burros, culminating in the death of an animal earlier this week. The hunt is fueled by a disturbing pattern dating back to late 2025, raising serious concerns about the safety of local wildlife.
A resident's video sparks urgent action
The latest incident, occurring on Tuesday, March 31st near Keissel Road, was captured on video by a local resident who quickly alerted authorities. The footage, showing a large black Cane Corso and a black and tan Shepherd mix aggressively attacking a burro, prompted an immediate response from the Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS). The donkey was discovered deceased by RCDAS officers shortly thereafter.
But there's a troubling backstory. Since December 2025, at least eleven donkeys have been targeted in similar attacks across the region. Dr. Juan Castellanos of SoCal Equine Hospital, examining the injured animals, initially indicated the attacks bore hallmarks of canine aggression, ruling out human involvement in the direct assaults. However, the situation has escalated, with separate incidents since early 2025 revealing wild burrows shot with arrows, adding a layer of complexity and raising questions about the motivations behind these escalating acts of cruelty.
The search intensifies: public assistance needed
“Because of the resident’s quick action in filming and reporting the incident, we are now seeking the public’s help to locate these two dogs,” stated Field Commander Lesley Huennekens of RCDAS. “We have shared the information with our partner agencies and are continuing our investigation. Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to resolving this case.” The department is urging anyone with knowledge of the dogs or their owner to contact their call center at (951) 358-7387.
The attacks are not only devastating for the burro population but also highlight a growing tension between human activity and wildlife preservation in Riverside County. The convergence of canine predation and targeted shootings presents a deeply concerning picture, underscoring the need for increased vigilance and responsible pet ownership. The question now isn't simply about finding these two specific dogs, but about addressing the underlying factors that have led to this prolonged and escalating pattern of violence against vulnerable wildlife.