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The Real Duck Sanctuary

@therealducksanctuary

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Documenting Howard Berkowitz’s, “The Duck “Sanctuary” CA ⚠️🦆raising awareness
E: [email protected]
Donate for help for transport in links 🔗

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‼️Court Update: ‼️

We went to the ‘settlement conference’ today. Like many of you, we have never gone through anything like this. After years of constant explaining, and SCREAMING on seemingly deaf ears— it seems that Riverside is listening.

After a very brief back and forth with Mr. Berkowitz’s lawyer, and Mr. Berkowitz, there will be another ‘settlement’ conference on Dec. 18th. and then a preliminary trial within 10 court days. He also has the right to have his preliminary hearing finished within 60 days from the date he was arraigned.

So in layman’s terms: There was an offer for settlement by the DA— Mr. Berkowitz did not accept the deal. So they will try again in December to keep it out of trial— but only Mr. Berkowitz and his attorney know how this will go.

There were five of us there today for the animals. It was pretty wild. We spoke with a witness supervisor and then we got to speak to the DA privately. We were expecting more of the same today— feeling gaslit, crazy, etc. but we were absolutely pleasantly surprised.

Oh by the way— 1 FELONY COUNTS of the 4 is for all those precious TURKEYS from City of San Bernardino Animal Services in 2024 that Mr Berkowitz put in mass grave on the Bautista property in Anza.
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this document states that Howard was released after his arrest on supervised own recognizance. We didn’t really understand what that meant until we saw the document today.
it kinda looks like he’s on probation.
he has to report to a probation officer every week and visit visits from this officer or any officers are non-negotiable at any time. He is also NOT ALLOWED To HAVE BIRDS!!!
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NO BIRDS!! ⛔️

More to come.... taken in Southwest Justice Center by @therealducksanctuary

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7 hours ago

WATCH & SAVE THE DATE — OCTOBER 15, 2026 🦆⚖️

PEOPLE v. HOWARD DAVID BERKOWITZ
Case No. FESW2601569

📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026
⏰ 8:30 AM
⚖️ Felony Settlement Conference
📍 Riverside Superior Court — Southwest Justice Center
Southwest Division • Department S204
30755-D Auld Road, Murrieta, CA 92563

Howard Berkowitz, operator of the so-called “Duck Sanctuary,” is currently facing four felony and four misdemeanor animal-cruelty charges. (Not enough, in our opinion)

After years of demanding accountability, we want as MANY people as possible to SHOW UP on October 15 and stand together for the animals. ❤️🦆

We are asking for meaningful accountability — including protections intended to prevent Berkowitz from owning, possessing, or caring for animals in the future.

The animals may no longer be in Riverside County, but what happened to them still matters. Accountability still matters.

Please SHOW UP. Bring a friend. Stand with us. Let the court see how many people care about what happened to these animals. 🔔

🦆⚖️ Save the date. Let’s see if justice is served.

More information to come. ➡️
PLEASE SHARE. ➡️➡️➡️

THE ANIMALS DESERVE JUSTICE.
THE PEOPLE DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY. 🚨

#VoiceForTheVoiceless #DemandAccountability #AnimalRights #HowardBerkowitz taken in Southwest Justice Center by @therealducksanctuary

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18 days ago

We were seized from Howard Berkowitz’s so called -The Duck “sanctuary,” by @sdanimalservices in July. We’ve been waiting for a while to find safe and loving homes.
We know the people protecting us want to make sure that we are adopted for the rest of our lives, and not returned or dumped because we turned out to be a drake. They want our new flock to know “duck math” so that not one of us gets hurt. They are promoting “bachelor flocks,” too. So the boys can be boys.
But we want you to know…that we are SURVIVORS from a very difficult situation. We were promised al”sanctuary” and honestly that is not what it felt like. We were scared. We were thirsty a lot. We were crowded. We felt like we were fighting just to live. A lot of us had friends, and we lost some of them. It was very sad.
We really want to forget our troubled past and waddle into a beautiful future in a safe, permanent home. Hopefully with some friends (5-6 hens to one drake- or all drakes, or all hens) we would be fine with just two of us. But we do love to have a flock. Could you be our flock?
Can you help us find safety and happiness for the rest of our lives?
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We are located at the Bonita and Carlsbad Locations of SDAC. Some of us are listed on the adoption lists (as others)
Some of us aren’t yet. Please ask about us. 🙏🏻❤️
if you can’t take any of us in, maybe you could help with getting us transported home— or maybe you could help financially, or even just spreading the word and letting other people know that we are looking to be adopted! (Please SHARE ➡️➡️)
And if you do come, and you see us together, please don’t separate us friends if you don’t have to. We are bonded. Thank you so much for listening. We love you and we’re waiting for you. 🦆💛
Xo your future flock ❤️

#voiceforthevoiceless
#adoptdontshop
#ducks
#chickens
#geese taken in San Diego County Animal Services by @therealducksanctuary

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22 days ago

🐾 What a special night celebrating the people who lead with compassion and fight every day to protect animals!

Loved meeting Priscilla Presley and hearing about her longtime commitment to animals as well. 💚

Thank you to @judiemancuso and Nick Sackett for 19 years of incredible leadership through Social Compassion in Legislation, and congratulations to the Heroes of the Year: Ashli Shore, Darcy Smith, Sascha Knopf, Jennifer Raymond, and Jenna Moore.

And thank you to Alya and Dr. Gary Michelson for opening their home and supporting this important work.

Proud to stand with @socialcompassion and our animal rights community as we keep fighting for a more compassionate California.

📸 @ella_hovsepian taken in Los Angeles, California by @therealducksanctuary

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22 days ago

We are deeply honored to have received awards from Social Compassion in Legislation recognizing the work we have done to help save the animals from Howard Berkowitz’s so-called “Duck Sanctuary.”

But these awards are not the finish line.

We will not put our plaques on the mantle until every animal entrusted to San Diego County Animal Services has been safely placed in a thoroughly vetted forever home—and until Howard Berkowitz is held accountable.

Right now, these animals still need us.

🚨 HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED:

🦆 Reputable rescues with space
🏡 Experienced bird caregivers who can foster or adopt
🚐 Safe, reliable transport
📣 Networking throughout Southern California, Northern California, neighboring states and beyond

We need to move these animals as safely and responsibly as possible—but we will not sacrifice their safety for speed.

Every placement must provide:

• Secure, predator-proof, species-appropriate enclosures
• Adequate space, proper nutrition and clean water
• Necessary veterinary and medical care
• Protection from extreme weather
• Responsible, committed lifelong care

These animals deserve the safety, care and sanctuary they were promised all along.

If you can help—or can connect us with a qualified rescue, foster, adopter or transporter—please message this page. Even if you cannot take an animal yourself, sharing this post and tagging trusted bird people could help save a life.

Every bird safe. Accountability. Then we celebrate.

Please SHARE ➡️➡️➡️

#ducks
#animalrights
#animalabuse
#adoptdontshop taken in San Diego County Animal Services by @therealducksanctuary

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23 days ago

Oh my gosh… yesterday was such a wonderful whirlwind of a day!

I was up at 6:00 a.m. to feed some of the kids, and then Ranch Dad dropped me off at the airport. I landed in Los Angeles around 1:00 p.m. and took an Uber to the event, which began at 4:00. I met up with Sascha @therealducksanctuary and Ash from The @theshoresanctuary and had the opportunity to meet so many incredible animal advocates who are working to create legislation that protects animals throughout California- Including @priscillapresley , and Nathan Hochman, LA County DA.

I was deeply honored to receive an award from @socialcompassion —and another award from California State Assemblymember Jessica Calzoa! @asmcaloza ❤️

Now for the rough part of the day…

Just as the event was wrapping up, I looked down and realized that the diamond from my engagement ring was missing. Yep—after 24 years, I lost the diamond from my ring. 😭 I am an extremely sentimental person, so this was beyond upsetting.

Then LA traffic did what LA traffic does, and I boarded my plane just one minute before takeoff! 🫨 But I made it home and was picked up by the best Ranch Dad who ever lived—with a crispy Diet Coke waiting for me. ❤️

It was a day filled with tremendous honor, wonderful people, a little heartbreak, a lot of stress, and so much gratitude.

Here are some photos and videos from this unforgettable day! ❤️❤️❤️ by @therealducksanctuary

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a month ago

So very honored- humbled- grateful— and all the things… To have received this honor from @socialcompassion / @judiemancuso - alongside @imthefunkychicken, @theshoresanctuary — with @therealducksanctuary - jenna & jennifer who exposed Miranda’s “rescue” in humbolt county.

The award/plaque from @asmcaloza was so utterly personal and completely unexpected. Thank you so much!! 🙏🏻❤️
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#animalrights #socialcompassion #ducks taken in Brentwood, California by @therealducksanctuary

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a month ago

I am incredibly honored and humbled to be recognized as one of @socialcompassion ‘s “Heroes of the Year” for my work exposing the horrific conditions at the Berkowitz Duck Sanctuary.

I will be honored alongside two remarkable women who fought tirelessly for these birds: Ash Shore of @theshoresanctuary Shore Sanctuary and Sascha Knopf of @therealducksanctuary . Jenna Moore and Jennifer Raymond, the courageous whistleblowers who helped expose the heartbreaking conditions at Miranda’s Rescue, will also be recognized.

Everything I do comes from a pure love for animals—not for praise or recognition. Still, it means more than I can express to know that our years of fighting, speaking out, documenting the truth, and refusing to give up are being acknowledged.

I am deeply grateful to Social Compassion in Legislation for this recognition and for its unwavering commitment to protecting animals through stronger laws and anti-cruelty programs. I look forward to standing alongside so many extraordinary animal advocates on September 19 in Los Angeles. ❤️🦆

Tickets are still available for this amazing event, and I would love to see some familiar faces in the crowd! If you are in the Los Angeles area and would like to attend, and support this amazing cause, the link to purchase tickets is on Social Compassion in Legislation’s page.

#sanctuary #animalwelfare #forrheloveofanimals by @therealducksanctuary

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2 months ago

🚨 BREAKING NEWS: HOWARD BERKOWITZ SET FOR WARRANT ARRAIGNMENT TOMORROW 🦆⚖️

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Howard David Berkowitz, operator of the so-called “Duck Sanctuary,” is currently scheduled to appear in Riverside County Superior Court tomorrow, August 19, at 8:30 a.m. for a WARRANT ARRAIGNMENT.

Berkowitz is facing 8 counts of animal cruelty under California Penal Code §597(b):

🔴 4 FELONY counts
🔴 4 MISDEMEANOR counts

According to the current court docket:

➡️ July 20: Felony criminal complaint filed
➡️ July 22: Declaration in Support of Arrest Warrant filed
➡️ August 6: Berkowitz filed a Request for Calendar Add-On for a Warrant Arraignment
➡️ August 19: Warrant Arraignment currently scheduled

The case is presently listed by the court with a status of “WARRANT.” The docket reflects $10,000 ordered bail and $0 posted.

📍 Southwest Justice Center
30755-D Auld Road, Murrieta, CA 92563
⏰ 8:30 AM
⚖️ Department S204 — Judge Judith C. Clark
Case No. FESW2601569

We will be watching closely for what happens next.

After years of complaints, documentation and concerns surrounding the treatment of animals connected to this operation, Howard Berkowitz is now facing a criminal prosecution for animal cruelty.

🦆⚖️ ACCOUNTABILITY. ENFORCEMENT. JUSTICE.

We will update as verified information becomes available.

📺 LINK TO WATCH LIVE IN THE COMMENTS.

#ducks
#voiceforthevoiceless
#animalcruelty
#theducksanctuary taken in Riverside County by @therealducksanctuary

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2 months ago

DON’T GIVE HOWIE DUCKS 🦆🚫

🚨 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — PLEASE BE AWARE.

Today, a respected animal sanctuary contacted us after receiving a message from a woman caring for a 4-week-old duckling.

She was preparing to meet “Howie” — Howard Berkowitz of the Duck “Sanctuary” — and give him the baby.

Thankfully, SHE CHECKED FIRST.

She researched the Duck “Sanctuary,” became concerned by what she found, and contacted a reputable sanctuary for help instead.

🚨 Howard Berkowitz is currently facing 8 counts of animal cruelty in Riverside County.

On July 17, Howard was arrested, and more than 800 animals were confiscated from his possession by San Diego County Animal Services.

And yet people are STILL being connected with him to give him more ducks.

⚠️ Howard has also used aliases and alternate names.

This little duck was almost handed over to Howard today.

THANKFULLY, SOMEONE CHECKED FIRST.

🦆🚫 DON’T GIVE HOWIE DUCKS.

Please share. ➡️➡️➡️📣📣

#ducks #TheDuckSanctuary #animalcruelty #voiceforthevoiceless taken in Southern California by @therealducksanctuary

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2 months ago

⚠️Warning: Disturbing content ⚠️
🚨 5 years in Riverside. 1 week in San Diego. 🚨🦆

Howard Berkowitz, founder of the Duck “Sanctuary,” evaded enforcement for years.

On July 17, 2026, he was arrested in San Diego County.

On July 20, 2026, Riverside County filed felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges involving more than 800 seized animals.

A warrant is currently outstanding in the case.🚔

This is the 2nd largest animal cruelty cases in California history. The surviving birds deserve justice. 🦆🕊️💔

#AnimalCruelty #JusticeForTheBirds #DuckSanctuary #ducks #AnimalRescue taken in San Diego, California by @therealducksanctuary

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3 months ago

Here’s a caption that fits your advocacy style while staying focused on the pigeons:

The ducks weren’t the only victims.

These pigeons survived the raid at Howard Berkowitz’s so-called “Duck Sanctuary.” While most people never even think about pigeons, they suffered too.

The 97 pigeons now in rescue are among the lucky ones. We don’t know how many others were lost before help finally arrived.

Every animal deserves compassion—no matter the species.

Thank you to the rescuers, veterinarians, San Diego County Animal Services, and everyone working tirelessly to give these birds a second chance. ❤️🕊️

#voiceforthevoiceless #PigeonsMatter #AnimalRescue #AnimalCruelty #BirdRescue taken in Fairfax District by @therealducksanctuary

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3 months ago