An Irvine man was arrested Wednesday morning after police alleged he killed a duckling and threw other ducklings into a trash can. Randall Bertsch, 71, was taken into custody on suspicion of animal cruelty, authorities said, after an investigation that include
A quiet moment at an Irvine community pool turned grim when police say a man scooped up ducklings from near the water, killed one, and tossed others into a trash can, setting off an investigation that ended with an arrest.
Irvine police arrested Randall Bertsch. 71. on suspicion of animal cruelty after the incident on Wednesday morning. according to a news release from the department.. Police said the actions took place around 10:52 a.m.. near Morena and Segura. where Bertsch gathered ducklings from a community pool. put them in a box. and allegedly used a plastic trash bin to strike some of the ducklings before throwing them away.
Police said one duckling was found dead and another suffered severe head trauma.. The injured duckling was taken to a veterinary clinic for treatment. while the other ducklings escaped the area with the mother duck.. Irvine Police’s Animal Services Unit began the investigation and later located Bertsch at his home, authorities said.. A search warrant was executed at the home, and Bertsch was arrested.
The department used the release to emphasize how seriously it views animal welfare.. “We want to assure the community that the protection and welfare of animals in our city remains a high priority. ” police wrote.. The release also warned residents that migratory birds are federally protected and. in most cases. cannot be moved or relocated. including those that nest near pools.
The timeline of the case lays out the chain of events: police say the ducklings were gathered and thrown into a trash bin around 10:52 a.m., one was found dead and another was injured, Animal Services opened an investigation, and then a search warrant led to Bertsch’s arrest.
Police thanked community members who reported the incident and assisted officers. For residents who need assistance with wildlife, the department urged people to contact Animal Services at 949-724-7000.
Irvine animal cruelty ducklings police arrest Orange County Animal Services Unit search warrant migratory birds