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A California man has been arrested for animal cruelty after witnesses reported that he captured several ducklings, beat them, and threw them in the trash. Demand maximum penalties in this case!
 

Authorities in Irvine, California, have arrested 71-year-old Randall Bertsch following a disturbing case of alleged animal cruelty. On the morning of May 13, 2026, witnesses reported that a mother duck and her ducklings were swimming in a community pool near Morena and Segura when Bertsch captured several ducklings in a box. He then reportedly used a plastic bin to strike the baby ducks before throwing them into a trash can. One duckling died at the scene, while another suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to a veterinary clinic; the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center expects the surviving duckling to recover after six to eight weeks of care.

Following a joint investigation by the Irvine Police Department's Animal Services Unit and Investigations Bureau, Bertsch was taken into custody. After the suspect declined to speak with investigators, officers served a search warrant at his residence and arrested him on suspicion of animal cruelty. Police officials highly credited local witnesses for stepping forward, exposing the attack, and enabling the arrest.

The case will be submitted to the Orange County District Attorney's Office for prosecutorial review, where Randall Bertsch could face state or federal charges. Under California Penal Code § 597, the offense can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the severity of the offense. A felony conviction carries penalties of up to three years in state prison, fines up to $20,000, mandatory psychological counseling, restitution for veterinary costs, and a 10-year ban on keeping animals. While federal charges under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act are also possible if the ducks are classified as migratory, state law offers significantly stricter penalties and is the preferred route for seeking maximum accountability.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Decison maker: Todd Spitzer - District Attorney, Santa Ana, CA

Subject: Man Who Beat & Trashed Ducklings Must Face Maximum Penalties

I am writing to you to support the conviction and maximum sentencing of Randall Bertsch for the inexcusable abuse of a family of ducks.

Bertsch reportedly determined that a mother duck and her ducklings swimming in a residential community pool were pests. Bertsch was arrested following an investigation by the Irvine Police Department’s Animal Services Unit and Investigations Bureau, which found he entered the pool area, captured some of the ducklings, and carried them away in a box. Witnesses reported that he then used a plastic trash bin to strike several of the baby ducks before throwing them into a trash can. Investigators confirmed that one duckling was discovered dead, and another suffered severe head injuries requiring emergency veterinary treatment, findings consistent with intentional brutality.

Bertsch could be prosecuted under California Penal Code § 597 as a felony, which carries a sentence of 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison, and a fine of up to $20,000 for each conviction. If the birds involved are migratory, he may also face federal charges under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 16 U.S.C. §§ 703–712, which makes it illegal to move, harm, or relocate protected waterfowl without authorization. Additional consequences can include mandatory psychological counseling, restitution of veterinary care and rescue costs, and a 10-year prohibition on harboring animals.

I hope you will seek maximum penalties under California state law in this case, ensure Bertsch faces strict consequences, and enforce a long-term animal contact prohibition to send a message that this kind of cruelty won't be tolerated. I will be following this case to fruition and look forward to seeing the Orange County District Attorney's Office take decisive prosecutorial action.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.