Beloved Therapy Donkey Killed by Hunter's Stray Bullet in South Carolina
Owners express outrage and vow legal action after the beloved therapy animal was fatally shot at a sanctuary.
A beloved therapy donkey named Angelique was killed by a stray bullet on Sunday, the opening day of hunting season, at the Hasty’s Haven sanctuary in South Carolina. The animal was struck while in her pen, an incident sanctuary officials described as a violent and negligent act by a hunter operating less than 300 yards from their fence line.
The hunter, whose name has not been released, has been charged with negligent use of a firearm and hunting within 300 yards of a residence in connection with the shooting in Belton. The hunter reportedly claimed his intended target was a deer, an explanation that has angered the donkey's owners. They pointed out the significant color difference between a deer and Angelique, a dark-colored donkey.
"Hunting 101, know your target!" the sanctuary posted on Facebook, questioning the hunter's ability to distinguish between the two animals. "Deer are light brown. Angelique was a dark colored donkey."
Angelique's owners, who described the event as a "nightmare," are pursuing further legal action beyond the criminal charges. They plan to attend the hunter's court appearance on November 11 and intend to file a civil suit, stating, "This cannot happen ever again."
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources called the shooting an "unfortunate incident" and reiterated the responsibility of hunters to positively identify their targets and ensure safe shooting practices. This incident follows a similar case in Georgia last month, where a police officer shot and killed a young donkey, claiming it was charging at him.
