Nearly 500 ducks confiscated from an animal sanctuary in Riverside County.

Approximately 480 ducks from a sanctuary located in Anza, California, were surrendered to the Riverside County Department of Animal Services on April 14. This significant relinquishment stems from overcrowding concerns at the sanctuary operated by Howard Berkowitz. The ducks will be available for adoption to the public and rescue organizations starting at 11 a.m. on April 15, at the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus.

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has stated that the urgency surrounding this situation is due to their inability to provide long-term shelter care for such a large number of animals. The goal is to quickly secure placements for these ducks with rescue groups, adopters, and other organizations willing to assist within a week.

Berkowitz, who operates the Duck Sanctuary, has indicated that he possesses approximately 800 ducks, and the cooperation with Animal Services was necessary to manage the growing concerns related to animal welfare. Veronica Perez, a spokeswoman for the department, confirmed that the decision to surrender was made after discussions about effective placement options to alleviate overcrowding.

Initial assessments of the surrendered ducks have revealed no significant health issues. However, the department is conducting a thorough investigation into the overcrowded conditions at the sanctuary. This investigation began following reports regarding the welfare of waterfowl on the property. According to a statement by the department, there were indications of inadequate care, although earlier tests conducted on a smaller group of ducks yielded negative results for infectious diseases.

Animal Services has been actively collaborating with the California Department of Food and Agriculture to ensure the well-being of the ducks. Chief veterinarian Itzel Vizcarra noted that overcrowding can lead to stress along with decreased immune function, while inadequate nutrition can impair the health of the birds.

Those interested in adopting a duck are encouraged to contact the Riverside County Department of Animal Services via email at shelterinfo@rivco.org. All adoption fees have been waived, and adopters must provide appropriate carriers for transport. The ducks will be placed on a first-come, first-served basis.

In conclusion, the swift management of this situation reflects the department’s commitment to animal welfare and the importance of addressing the challenges of overcrowded sanctuaries effectively. This event underscores the need for responsible animal husbandry practices and the welfare considerations that arise when managing large populations of animals. For further information, please refer to updates from Media News Source.