A donkey at an animal rescue centre in South Carolina was tragically shot and killed during what has been described as a hunting mishap. The animal, named Angelique, resided at Hasty’s Haven in Belton when the incident occurred on Sunday, 11th October. Reports indicate that a hunter missed a deer and inadvertently struck the donkey instead.
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According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the hunter has been charged with negligent use of a firearm and hunting within 300 yards of a residence. The authorities characterised the event as an “unfortunate incident” in their official statements, stressing the importance of safe hunting practices.
The founder of Hasty’s Haven, Joann, has shared her deep sorrow over Angelique’s passing, labelling her as the “gentlest, quietest” donkey and revealing that the entire herd has been profoundly affected by the loss. She described the current emotional atmosphere at the rescue as akin to a “nightmare”, with the animals exhibiting more clingy behaviour since the incident.
“It could have been a human life,” Joann remarked, expressing her fear that the bullet could have harmed someone in the vicinity. She established the sanctuary alongside her daughter Kaitlyn in 2020, with a mission to provide a safe haven for animals in need. Their bond with Angelique was evident, adding another layer of grief to the tragedy.
In a poignant social media post, Hasty’s Haven conveyed the shock and devastation felt by both staff and volunteers. The post stated: “Angelique is gone. Killed by a hunter,” and raised doubts about whether the hunter truly missed a deer or mistakenly aimed at Angelique instead. Emphasising the need for justice, the rescue also highlighted the potential consequences of the hunter’s actions, noting that he aimed in the direction of their home and a pen full of animals.
The statement also underscored the necessity for all hunters to correctly identify their targets and exercise caution. “Hunters must always positively identify their target, be aware of what lies beyond it, and ensure they are shooting in a safe direction,” the Department of Natural Resources noted. These guidelines are not just recommendations but essential tenets of responsible hunting.
Despite the sorrowful circumstances, the rescue’s Facebook post concluded with a message of hope for justice and an appeal for greater awareness and responsibility among hunters. “Understand I wish this man no ill will,” it read. “Only for justice to be served and pray this is a lesson for every hunter.”
As the investigation continues, Hasty’s Haven and the wider community mourn the loss of Angelique. The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing discussions about hunting safety and the responsibilities of those who partake in the activity.
The local community, which has rallied around the rescue, is expected to take steps towards promoting awareness of animal welfare and hunting regulations. Hasty’s Haven, with its mission to care for rescued animals, remains committed to its cause, even amid this heartbreaking episode.
As authorities move forward with the case against the hunter, the incident stands as a stark reminder of the necessary precautions that are required in outdoor activities, where animal safety must be prioritised alongside the interests of hunters.