480 Ducks Surrendered to Riverside County Department of Animal Services

Public and rescues asked to adopt from the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus on April 15

Riverside, CA —April 14, 2026 – The Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) has taken possession of 480 ducks surrendered by a property owner in unincorporated Riverside County. The department is actively coordinating care and intake for the animals at the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus where they will be available for adoption on Wednesday, April 15.

Animal Control Officers inspected the property leading up to the large-scale operation as part of an ongoing investigation. The relinquishment is the result of overcrowding at the property, and the property owner is currently cooperating with RCDAS to coordinate placement of the animals. As part of the investigation into the welfare of additional waterfowl, the department is investigating the scale of overcrowding on the property. 

“This large-scale operation requires intense coordination across our department, and our main priority is the safe transport and intake of these animals today,” said RCDAS Assistant Director Dr. Kimberly Youngberg. “We cannot provide long-term shelter care for this number of animals so it’s important we work quickly to find placement with rescues, adopters and organizations willing to assist this week.”  

RCDAS has been aware of the property owner’s intent to maintain an animal sanctuary for the birds, but recent investigations revealed the need for action to remove the animals from the property due to improper husbandry. 

Prior to today’s operation, RCDAS coordinated with the California Department of Food and Agriculture to test a sample of the animals for zoonotic infectious diseases which were all negative results. Limited assessments show the animals did not receive adequate caretaking.  

“Overcrowding can contribute to stress and decreased immune function,” said RCDAS Chief Veterinarian Dr. Itzel Vizcarra. “Inadequate nutrition, particularly vitamin A deficiency, can impair the lining of the digestive tract, predisposing birds to inflammation and secondary illness.” 

These conditions are commonly seen in birds kept in overcrowded or under-sourced environments. The primary recommendation for recovery and prevention is improved caretaking, including appropriate stocking density, sanitation practices and a balanced nutritionally complete diet. 

Rescue organizations and individuals interested in adopting can contact the department by emailing [email protected]. The ducks will be available for adoption on Wednesday, April 15th at 11:00AM at the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus. Animals are available on a first-come, first-served basis and all adoption fees are waived. 

Appropriate carriers are required for transport from the shelter and must be supplied by the adopters or rescues. Adopters must check with their city or local jurisdiction regarding ordinance restrictions on the number of waterfowl permitted per household as regulations vary by location. 

Visit www.rcdas.org for more information. 

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About RCDAS

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services shelters more than 35,000 animals annually across four locations, making it one of the largest sheltering systems in the country. RCDAS provides adoption, lost pet reunification, pet support services, and public safety programs, all aimed at keeping pets with families and increasing animal lifesaving.