Wild Burro Program

Burros were rapidly overpopulating the community leading to major challenges to the health and welfare of the burro population as well as our citizens that either live or frequent through the community. These challenges within the community led to numerous complaints and reports to the County requesting a call to action. Some of the reported complaints include destruction of private property in affected neighborhoods and traffic hazards for both residents and the burros. Additionally, reports of burros being threatened with being struck by vehicles or deadly encounters with other man-made objects have been consistently reported to the County. Due to numerous community complaints, fatalities due to traffic collisions, deaths and injuries to burros, and a lack of resources to handle these issues, the County began exploring options to address the overpopulation of its wild burro population and how best to resolve the issues reported to the County in the most effective and humane manner.

The County has been partnering with DonkeyLand for contracted burro castration services intermittently since 2019. In order to expand the initiative to better address the growing issue, the County drafted a Request for Applications (RFA) to obtain applications and proposals from qualified organizations for the provision of services to address the wild burro overpopulation issue. The RFA was released by January 2024, and closed on April 1, 2024, resulting in no successful bids. No application was received from either DonkeyLand or Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue (PVDR) in response to this RFA.

In addition, community advocates recommended the County research and consider partnership with PVDR for wild burro rescue services. As the County’s intent was to expand resources to address the safety of its wild burros, residents and visitors, the County researched PVDR and initiated a non-financial contract for discussion regarding available services. Following negotiations and internal reviews, a contract with PVDR was executed effective December 1, 2024, with a logistics meeting to discuss possible locations and operations held on December 9, 2024, prior to services initiating within the following days. Under this contract, PVDR provided all of the burro rescue services at no cost to the County, ensuring positive outcomes for our burros, with burros either being relocated to a sanctuary location or adopted into a loving home, and resulting in a cost-effective solution for the County and its taxpayers. Prior to transport and relocation of any burros from our area, County staff personally visited and reviewed operations of the PVDR headquarters in San Angelo, Texas, one of its sanctuary locations in Texas, one of its sites in Arizona, as well as the PVDR Donkey Museum in Nevada, and confirmed the care and wellbeing of burros at these sites.

The County places great value in securing the public’s trust in all aspects of work conducted on behalf of our residents. While the County’s goal was to increase available resources to address the safety of its wild burro population, residents, and visitors as quickly and efficiently as possible with the approval and execution of each of these contracts, it was never intended to present a lack of transparency or communication with the community or partners. As concerns were raised regarding lack of information shared leading to the actions under this project, information regarding future actions on this project will be communicated publicly.

Prior contracts with DonkeyLand for castration services were approved and executed in October 2019, with three contract amendments executed in December 2019, April 2020, and December 2020, and the most recent contract approved and executed in May 2023. These contracts and amendments were approved and executed according to County policies and procedures. Similarly, the contract with Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue (PVDR) was approved and executed according to County policies and procedures. Neither the contract with DonkeyLand, nor PVDR required presentation to the Board of Supervisors for approval.

PVDR is the largest organization of its kind in the United States, with over two decades of experience and facilities across the country. Its mission is to provide a safe and loving environment for burros. With a nationwide network of ranch facilities and satellite adoption centers, PVDR is a leader in rescue, sanctuary, adoption, and education for burros. PVDR is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, ensuring that they provide the highest level of care for these burros. PVDR is a California charity established approximately 25 years ago, which moved its headquarters in 2008 to be more centrally located in Texas to support its efforts as it grew into a national rescue, providing services in 48 states.

• Key Programs and Operations:
  • Wild Burro Project: Initiated in 2018, rescuing 500+ wild burros, including projects with federal agencies to remove burros from sensitive areas.
  • Sanctuary Project: Established in 2010, burros are placed in sanctuaries with herds of 20–150, ensuring ample space and regular care. Sanctuary burros are routinely evaluated, vaccinated, and dewormed.
  • Adoption Network: PVDR facilitates 600–1,000 adoptions annually through 26 Satellite Adoption Centers. The process ensures that adopters meet all adoption criteria, and follow-up visits are conducted to maintain the welfare of the burros.
• Care and Facilities:
  • Comprehensive intake processes include health exams, Coggins testing, hoof trimming, and dental care.
  • Specialized paddocks cater to burros with medical needs, dietary requirements, or ongoing treatments. 
  • Permanent residents include burros with severe health issues or neglect histories, receiving lifelong care.
  • PVDR employs four veterinary technicians and partners with specialists, including dentists and veterinarians, to provide advanced care.
  • PVDR uses RFID chips to identify and track all burros under its care, ensuring easy access to their medical and location records.
• Additional Highlights:
  • PVDR educates the public through tours, a gift shop, and the Donkey Museum in Nevada.
  • Sanctuaries such as ranches in Texas and other states exemplify PVDR’s high standards, providing open space, seasonal grazing, and attentive care by dedicated owners.
  • Founded by Mark and Amy Meyers, PVDR’s rescue efforts are supported by documentary productions, books, and fundraising initiatives.
  • PVDR’s facilities, programs, and dedicated staff exemplify exceptional care, ensuring rescued burros are given the best possible care and life.

The County complies with CA Senate Bill 371 and all other applicable laws and regulations, and its actions are in the best interests of the wild burros, human population, and the environment. Any wild free-roaming burros, once captured, are determined unfit for release to the community because of the location in which they are living – near residences, roads, railways, etc., overpopulation, and the threat to health and safety they would pose to both them and the general public should they be released and wander into traffic causing injury or death. In addition, some burros residing in these areas have sustained injuries caused by items such as trash, plastics, and cemetery vases becoming stuck to their hooves and legs. These situations often require human intervention and, in some cases, medical treatment to remedy. Burros may also consume harmful items, including trash and other debris, in neighborhoods, near roads, and at the landfill, posing further risks to their health.

Based on legal liability issues, as well as issues related to overpopulation, once burros are trapped or captured, those burros legally become the responsibility of the capturing organization. The County no longer has authority or control as to the disposition of these burros. Furthermore, for purposes of Government Code section 53074.5, a burro that has been relocated to an appropriate facility or private adopter is no longer considered to be an undomesticated burro governed by Fish and Game Code section 4600.

No, the goal is not to remove all the burros from the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County, but to maintain the burro population at a manageable level to minimize incidents of injury and death. Any burros removed were safely relocated to sanctuaries where they can live free from the threat of vehicle collisions and other dangers created by human activities.

Although the County has yet to determine an ideal number of burros to remain wild in the local areas, research is underway to begin the process of evaluating the current wild burro population numbers in the area, identify partners to conduct a population survey, as well as plans for long-term solutions and maintenance of an ongoing burro population. Numbers of wild burros in the area, currently estimated at a minimum of a few thousand or more, are merely estimates as these animals are nomadic and move between various areas, and between counties, in addition to the wild burros located in other areas of the county.

No, the burros were not being relocated as part of any property development plan.

Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue (PVDR) used self-catching baited traps at water sources, so burros were never chased, roped, or dragged, nor were helicopters or wrangler-mounted horses used.

• As of April 1, 2025, the County initiated a new non-financial contract with DonkeyLand, to provide rescue and relocation services for injured, sick, orphaned, and other herds or identified burros that may pose a risk to themselves or the community. DonkeyLand may relocate burros unfit for release to its sanctuary, ensuring each burro receives lifelong care and protection. Additionally, a separate contract includes funds for the castration of 100 burros within a one-year term, supporting wild burro population management while allowing free-roaming burros to remain in the wild.
• The County aims to reach a balance of burros remaining in the wild to ensure the health and safety of the remaining burros, while also ensuring the health and safety of the local community and those who frequently commute through the Reche Canyon area.

Although the County has yet to determine an ideal number of burros to remain wild in the local areas, staff are continuing to research local collaborations for evaluation of the current wild burro population in the area, as well as plans for long-term solutions and maintenance of an ongoing burro population. Numbers of wild burros in the area are merely estimates as these animals are nomadic and move between various areas, and between counties, in addition to the wild burros located in other areas of the county.

Earlier this year, the County issued a request for proposals (RFP) to evaluate the local burro population. Since that time, service calls in areas such as Reche Canyon have decreased, due in part to rescue and relocation services, castration initiatives through our partner DonkeyLand, expanded public education, and improvements to Animal Care’s Incident Tracker system. Given this progress, the RFP has been canceled to allow for greater collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions and local organizations. This coordinated approach helps ensure public safety, supports the welfare of the burros, and maintains balance between people and wildlife in our region.

• San Bernardino County heard the concerns of community members and their desire for solutions and partnership with local organizations on the issue of wild burros. To ensure continued local partnership and collaboration, two contracts with DonkeyLand went into effect on April 1, 2025 to provide services in support of wild burros in the Reche Canyon and San Timoteo Canyon areas.
• Public Health has partnered with the Public Works Department for creation and installation of signage discouraging feeding and interaction with wild burros to help keep them away from roadways, neighborhoods, and businesses.
• Public Health’s Animal Incident Tracker allows residents to report issues or concerns regarding individual situations with the wild burros in their communities. This tracker provides the County real-time information to address urgent needs, supporting the safety of burros and the community.
• Educational materials have been distributed to highlight the dangers of feeding and interacting with wildlife, specifically wild burros. These will continue to be shared online and via social media.
  

For additional questions, please email us at AnimalCareInfo@dph.sbcounty.gov.