RivCo Wildlife Sanctuary Founder Faces Animal Cruelty Charges

RIVERSIDE, CA — A well-known animal rescue advocate who founded a "sanctuary" for hundreds of birds in Riverside County has been charged with animal cruelty, officials said.

The Riverside County District Attorney's Office charged Howard Berkowitz, 66, on Monday with four counts of felony animal cruelty and four counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. Prosecutors accused Berkowitz of "unnecessary cruelty" to hundreds of animals — mostly birds — including ducks, geese, turkeys, and three dogs.

Berkowitz, who originally established the Duck Sanctuary in Riverside County, was arrested July 16 by the San Diego County Sheriff's Office on a criminal warrant alleging animal cruelty brought by the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.

RELATED: 480 Ducks Surrendered By 'Illegal Sanctuary' Operator In Riverside County

Before his arrest, Berkowitz had amassed a following and support, receiving donations for the wildlife he was keeping at a property in Wildomar It was unclear if Duck Sanctuary was ever formally registered as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

The proclaimed animal rescue advocate has been the center of numerous complaints in the past, including allegations of animal hoarding and neglect.

In April, Riverside County officials removed nearly 500 ducks from Berkowitz' property in Anza. He had been accused of overcrowding and animal neglect.

This month, San Diego County Department of Animal Services seized 829 birds, including at least 400 ducks, and two dogs from a property in Valley Center following multiple reports alleging some of the animals were ill.

RELATED: Duck Sanctuary Forced From Wildomar After Neighbor Complaints

The animals were transferred to two San Diego County shelters.

"When we arrived, our officers found birds living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions," Dr. Brie Sarvis, animal services director, said in a news release.

"Our staff and partners worked tirelessly to ensure these animals were safe, and we're now focused on giving each one the care they need to recover."

Berkowitz could not be reached for comment before publication.

In April, after animal services seized the birds at a property in Anza, Berkowitz refuted allegations he was animal hoarder, telling local station KESQ the animals he kept were fed and watered. He also said he turned animals away when he could not support them.

"I am not a duck hoarder," Berkowitz told KESQ. "I don't go out and solicit for these ducks."

Berkowitz also told KESQ that his "sanctuary" was ending.

"I'm done. I'm out. No more sanctuary," Berkowitz told KESQ in April. "Ultimately it falls on me. I take full responsibility. It happened. I'm sorry that it happened."