Therapy donkey shot dead by hunter near South Carolina sanctuary

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 13:38 · Archive

A therapy donkey named Angelique was shot and killed by a hunter at a South Carolina sanctuary who claims he was aiming at a deer.

A therapy donkey named Angelique was shot and killed by a hunter at Hasty's Haven sanctuary in Anderson County, South Carolina on Sunday, the opening day of hunting season. The hunter claims he was targeting a deer when his shot missed and struck the donkey instead. He has been charged with negligent use of a firearm and hunting within 300 yards of a residence. He faces a maximum fine of £200 and potentially 30 days in jail.

Angelique had lived at the sanctuary for several years as a therapy animal for special needs children. The shooting occurred when the hunter allegedly fired from just 270 feet from the sanctuary's fence line, with the bullet striking an enclosure close to the owners' home. The sanctuary's owners expressed frustration at the incident, noting that Angelique was dark-coloured and questioning how the hunter could have mistaken her for a light brown deer. 'Hunting 101, know your target,' they wrote on Facebook. 'Did he think Angelique was a deer? I don't know and don't care what his story is.'

The owners described Angelique's death as a 'nightmare we can't wake up from' and said the entire team has been traumatised. They have vowed to pursue further action, stating they will file a civil suit and will attend the hunter's court appearance on 11 November. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources described the shooting as an 'unfortunate incident' and reminded hunters they must 'positively identify their target' and 'ensure they are shooting in a safe direction'.

How it is being reported

• Beloved therapy donkey killed by hunter who blames bad shotWhat an ass. A beloved therapy donkey has been killed by a hunter – who blamed it on his bad shot. Angelique was with the rest of her herd in her pen at the Hasty’s Haven sanctuary in South Carolina when she was struck by a stray bullet on Sunday, the first day of the...New York Post · 13 Oct, 13:21
• Gentle donkey called Angelique is shot and killed by hunter who claims to have missed their intended targetA beloved therapy donkey named Angelique was shot dead at a South Carolina sanctuary by a hunter who claims he missed a deer and accidentally struck the animal.Daily Mail · 13 Oct, 05:25

In this story: Angelique · Hasty's Haven · South Carolina · Anderson County

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