Therapy Donkey Killed by Hunter in South Carolina
A hunter faces charges after allegedly firing a rifle near a sanctuary, resulting in the death of a beloved therapy donkey named Angelique.
A therapy donkey named Angelique was shot and killed on Sunday at Hasty's Haven animal sanctuary in Anderson County, South Carolina. The hunter involved claims he was aiming for a deer but missed, with the bullet striking the donkey within an enclosure. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) has charged the hunter with negligent use of a firearm and hunting within 300 yards of a residence.
The incident occurred on the first day of hunting season, according to the sanctuary's founder, Joann. Hasty's Haven reported that the shot was fired approximately 270 feet from the sanctuary's fence line and directly toward an animal enclosure that is also in line with the owners' home. The bullet was later recovered from Angelique's body.
Angelique had been part of Hasty's Haven for several years, having previously worked as a therapy animal assisting children with special needs. She was known for her gentle nature and was a treasured member of the sanctuary's educational programs, interacting with volunteers and community members.
"Our Angelique was taken from us this morning. Taken violently and in a criminally negligent manner," the sanctuary stated in an Instagram post. "This person was hunting 270 feet from our fence line without permission from us and fired directly into the donkey enclosure which is also directly in line with our residence!"
SCDNR officials responded to the scene after receiving a report of a pet donkey being shot. The hunter admitted to firing at a deer, stating that the shot went astray and hit Angelique. Officials have not released the hunter's identity.
The SCDNR issued a statement emphasizing hunter responsibility, reminding hunters to positively identify their targets, be aware of their surroundings, and ensure they are shooting in a safe direction. "This unfortunate incident serves as an important safety reminder," the department said.
Sanctuary representatives have indicated their intention to pursue the matter further, stating they will be present at the hunter's court date on November 11th and plan to file a civil suit. The sanctuary expressed outrage and grief over the incident, highlighting the danger posed by such negligent actions.