For over 75 years, wild burros have roamed freely through the foothills of places like Moreno Valley, delighting residents, aiding in wildfire prevention, and simply existing peacefully—until now.

In recent months, these animals have become the targets of horrifying violence. At least six donkeys have been shot with hunting-style arrows since June. One of them, a 2-year-old female now known as Cupid, was found with an arrow lodged in her lung. She survived emergency surgery, but not all have been so lucky. Some of the victims were just babies.

This is not just cruelty, it’s a crime. Wild burros are protected under federal law. The people who are harming them are breaking the law and violating basic standards of decency.

We’re calling on the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and U.S. Bureau of Land Management to make this case a top priority. We want:

• A full and transparent investigation into all recent attacks
• A public update on the status of the case and any leads
• Long-term protections, including increased monitoring and penalties for harming wild burros

The public needs to show up now, before another defenseless donkey is killed. These are living beings, not targets. Add your name to demand justice for Cupid and protection for all wild burros in California.

Photo: Donkeland via AP