Advocacy group offers $3,000

CTINSIDER | Jan. 14, 2024 | by: Josh LaBella, Staff Writer

BETHLEHEM — An animal advocacy group is offering a reward for any information that leads to the location of a missing donkey, officials say.

In a post on Facebook, Bethlehem's Animal Control Department said Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of Jackie the donkey, who has been missing since Thursday.

"The owner is asking that if you do have her to please bring her home or bring her somewhere safe and alert animal control so that we can coordinate her being picked up," it said. "You will be asked to provide your name and contact information."

Animal control said the donkey was reported missing from Hickory Lane on Thursday, adding she was last seen when a passerby took a photo of her. 

"She was only seen once when this picture was taken," it said. "Unfortunately, we were not alerted, and despite our best efforts, as well as our donkey expert's efforts, she is still missing."

Animal control said officials are asking anyone who lives in the area to check their door cameras, as well as their own livestock to see if she may have joined up with them.  It said a drone was deployed Friday, and she was not seen wandering on her own.

"Other area Animal Control agencies have been notified as well as letting the state troopers know the situation," it said. "Please let get this mother donkey back home to her son."

Desmond's Army is an a nonprofit organization that aims to better the lives of animals and combat animal abuse. Last year, they offered a $1,500 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the owners of a husky who had been abused in Naugatuck.

Anyone with information concerning Jackie the donkey can contact Bethlehem Animal Control at (203) 233-1137.