A California man in Irving is behind bars following a disturbing animal cruelty case involving a family of ducklings swimming with their mother in a community pool.
The incident unfolded on the morning of May 13 near the intersection of Morena and Segura in Irvine. According to police, a man who lived close to the pool entered the water and began scooping up several ducklings.
“He placed them inside a box,” the Irvine Police Department said in a statement. “Shortly afterward, he used a plastic trash bin to strike some of the ducklings. He then threw the animals into a garbage container.”
When officers arrived on the scene, one duckling was already dead and another had suffered severe head trauma. The injured bird was rushed to a veterinary clinic for emergency care.
Fortunately, the remaining ducklings managed to escape the area alongside their mother. The Irvine Police Department’s Animal Services Unit launched an investigation, which quickly led them to 71-year-old Randall Bertsch.
Initially, Bertsch refused to speak with authorities. Investigators obtained a search warrant for his residence, which was subsequently executed, leading to his arrest on animal cruelty charges.
Once the investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for review.
“We want to assure the community that the protection and welfare of animals in our city remain a top priority,” police officials added.
Authorities also reminded residents that migratory birds are protected under federal law. In most cases, these animals including those that nest near pools cannot be relocated or moved. Community members who need assistance with ducklings or other wildlife are encouraged to contact Animal Services at 949-724-7000.
