A mass surrender of ducks in Southern California has sparked controversy after hundreds of the birds were quickly adopted, with some ending up with a livestock dealer who resold them for $15 each.
On April 14, the Riverside County Department of Animal Services took in approximately 500 ducks from the Duck Sanctuary in Anza. This action followed an investigation into overcrowding and inadequate care at the facility, as reported by the Orange County Register.
The following day, April 15, the department opened adoptions at its San Jacinto Valley shelter. The process was on a first-come, first-served basis, with adoption fees waived to expedite rehoming efforts.
In a matter of hours, around 270 ducks were claimed by Matt’s Livestock, a business based in Norco. Soon after, these ducks appeared for resale on Facebook.
Animal welfare advocates have expressed concern that some of the purchasers may have intended to use the birds for consumption.
One Facebook user, who has made references to cockfighting, reportedly acquired 11 ducks.
Berkowitz said he agreed to surrender the animals only if they would go to sanctuaries.
“The only way that I would ever relinquish any ducks was that I knew that they were going to a safe place,” he told the OC Register. “I’ve raised those ducks for years. I spent my entire life savings taking care of these ducks, and they all went for food. I hope that Riverside pays for what they did.”
Rescue groups say they were blindsided.
Darcy Smith of Funky Chicken Rescue had offered to take 50 birds, and said other sanctuaries were ready.
“They had places that they could go sanctuaries that had vetted homes ready for them,” Smith told the OC Register. “It’s like, really, you’re going to pull them out of a horrible situation and then put them in another one?”
County officials defended the rush, calling it necessary given the scale, the largest intake in over a decade, and limited capacity.
Health concerns added fuel to the backlash.
Some ducks reportedly had zoonotic diseases and accused the agency of releasing animals without proper disclosure.
Authorities say the seizure followed mounting concerns at Berkowitz’s sanctuary, where overcrowding worsened as the flock grew.
Activists described filthy conditions and hoarding, though Berkowitz denied wrongdoing.
“There wasn’t one single sick duck on my property,” he said.
By April 16, Animal Services announced all ducks had been adopted.
Berkowitz now says he’s leaving animal rescue behind.
“I’m shutting it down, I’m done,” he said. “Make me the criminal, make me the bad guy. I don’t care anymore.”
