$5K reward offered for capture of person who shot opossum with 2 arrows

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services is investigating a case of animal cruelty after an officer responded to a call Friday morning about an opossum that was apparently shot with two arrows. And now a nonprofit animal rescue is offering a $5,000 reward for the capture of the person responsible.

John Welsh with animal services said the officer found the animal in a western section of Riverside and was surprised to discover it was still alive, despite the two crossbow arrows that had struck it.

And judging from the painful photos we received into our newsroom, it does appear to be rather amazing the opossum survived the ordeal. And it’s also amazing to see how tough the small animal is; a graphic photo shows the animal attempting to remove one of the arrows by itself (Caution: photo may be offensive to some).

The animal was discovered near Hole Avenue and Jones Avenue in Riverside’s La Sierra neighborhood, Welsh said in the release.

Animal Control Officer Jennifer Selter rushed the opossum to the county’s Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley, where a staff veterinarian immediately began surgery to try to save the animal.

Welsh said one arrow penetrated the animal near its right eye and went through the other side of its head. The second arrow went through its right side and also penetrated the other side of the opossum.

Animal Services Director Robert Miller called the actions callous and despicable.

“No animal, whether it’s a domesticated dog or cat, or a part of our wildlife, deserves to be treated in such a cruel manner,” Miller said. “Anyone who has any information about who might have done this are encouraged to contact us. This is a sick act.”

Sgt. Cynthia Lee of Riverside County Animal Services observed the animal when it first came into the treatment area of the county’s clinic.

“The animal was very alert and you could tell it was trying to remove the arrows itself,” Sgt. Lee said. “The opossum was grabbing the arrow on its side. What a horrible thing to do to an animal.”

The veterinary technicians involved with the operation have nicknamed the critter “Robin.”

‘Robin’ is in recovery Friday afternoon. Dr. Magid Anwar, one of the staff veterinarians, performed the emergency surgery, examined the opossum’s internal injuries via X-rays, and examined the opossum after the operation. The X-rays illustrated some damage to the animal’s lung tissue, but nothing that made him believe the animal would not survive. Dr. Anwar said he is optimistic the animal has a chance at a full recovery, officials said.

When appropriate, the animal will likely be transported to one of the local community organizations that specialize in the rehabilitation of such wildlife. Animal services is expected to provide an update on the status of the opossum in the near future.

The Monterey-based nonprofit Wildlife Emergency Services is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the capture and conviction of the person who shot the animal. The organization posted the reward after learning of the “horrible act of cruelty,” according to the organization’s website.

Donations are still being accepted to increase the reward pool.

If you have any information about the person responsible for shooting the opossum, you’re asked to report the information to Riverside County Department of Animal Services by calling 951-358-7387.