Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleOwen ScottFriday 26 June 2026 15:06 BSTRandall Lee Bertsch has been charged after allegedly beating a duckling to death at a swimming pool (Irvine Police Department)A 71-year-old California man, Randall Lee Bertsch, has been charged with felony animal cruelty after allegedly beating a mallard duckling to death and seriously injuring another.The incident occurred on May 13 at a community swimming pool in Irvine, California, where Bertsch reportedly yelled at a mother duck and her 10 ducklings.Prosecutors allege Bertsch trapped several ducklings in a box, then used a recycling trash can to beat them before throwing the bin at the mother duck and other ducklings.Bertsch faces two felony counts of animal cruelty, three felony counts of attempted animal cruelty, one misdemeanor count of harassment of animals, and five felony enhancements for using a trash bin as a weapon.He was arrested and released on bond, but is now wanted on a $50,000 arrest warrant; if convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of seven years and six months in jail.In fullCalifornia man charged with beating duckling to death at community swimming poolThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in