Orange County man arrested for animal cruelty, accused of killing duckling – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
Irvine, Calif. – A 71-year-old resident was taken into custody Tuesday on animal cruelty charges after police say he killed one duckling and left another badly injured at a neighborhood swimming pool. The incident unfolded on May 13 when a mother duck and several of her young were in the water near the intersection of Morena and Segura streets shortly before 11 a.m. Randall Bertsch, who lives nearby, was identified as the suspect and booked into Orange County jail.
What Happened at the Pool
Officers responded to reports of a disturbance involving the ducks at the community facility. Investigators determined that one duckling had been killed and a second suffered serious injuries during the encounter. The mother duck and the remaining ducklings were removed from the pool area for safety. Authorities have not released further details on how the animals were harmed, citing the ongoing investigation.
Suspect Identified and Charged
Bertsch was arrested at the scene and transported to the Orange County jail, where he faces formal charges of animal cruelty. Court records list his age as 71 and confirm his address in Irvine. Prosecutors are expected to review the case in the coming days to determine whether additional charges will be filed. No prior criminal history for the suspect has been made public at this time.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Animal control officers are caring for the surviving ducklings while the case moves forward. Police continue to interview witnesses who were at the pool that morning. The Orange County District Attorney’s office will decide whether the matter proceeds to trial or is resolved through other means. Officials have asked anyone with additional information to contact the Irvine Police Department.
