Cane corso & shepherd mix hunted after burro attack spree
Riverside County is on edge after a series of brutal attacks on wild burros, culminating in the death of one animal earlier this week. Authorities are now actively seeking a pair of dogs – a large black Cane Corso and a black and tan Shepherd mix – believed to be responsible, and are appealing to the public for assistance in tracking them down.
A string of violence against wildlife
The latest attack occurred near Keissel Road on Tuesday, March 31st, where a Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) officer discovered the deceased donkey. This incident marks the eleventh documented attack on these vulnerable creatures since December 2025, a grim statistic that has sparked growing concern among wildlife advocates and residents. The initial attacks, and this latest one, appear consistent with canine involvement, according to Dr. Juan Castellanos of SoCal Equine Hospital.
What’s particularly unsettling is the escalating nature of these events. While dog attacks on wildlife aren’t unheard of, the sheer frequency—more than one per month—points to a deeper issue. But there's another layer to this story: prior to the dog attacks, reports surfaced of wild burros being shot with arrows in the same region, beginning in early 2025. The combined picture suggests a disturbing pattern of deliberate harm to these animals.
A local resident’s quick thinking proved invaluable. They captured video footage of the dogs attacking the burro, and subsequently provided authorities with a photograph of the suspects. Field Commander Lesley Huennekens of RCDAS emphasized the importance of this citizen action, stating, “Because of the 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.”
The dogs, described as a black Cane Corso and a black and tan Shepherd mix, are considered at large and potentially dangerous. Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts or the identity of their owner is urged to contact the RCDAS call center immediately at (951) 358-7387. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities coordinating with partner agencies to gather more intelligence.
The incident underscores a troubling intersection of responsible pet ownership, wildlife conservation, and the potential for human interference—or malice—in the natural ecosystem. The authorities’ ability to swiftly apprehend the dogs and, crucially, determine the root cause behind this escalating violence against the burros will be pivotal in ensuring the safety of these animals and preserving the delicate balance of the Riverside County landscape.