Hunter was targeting deer when he accidentally shot pet donkey, SC officials say

A hunter recently killed a family pet by mistake, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

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On Oct. 11, South Carolina DNR officers responded to a hunting incident in Anderson County, officials said in a news release. A pet donkey had been shot and killed by a hunter on a neighboring property, according to the release.

The hunter told officials that he had fired at a deer but missed, and the stray bullet struck the donkey, South Carolina DNR said. In Anderson County, deer hunting season with guns began Oct. 11. It will run through Jan. 1, 2027.

No other injuries were reported.

Officers charged the hunter with negligent use of a firearm and hunting within 300 yards of a residence, according to the release.

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The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation.

While South Carolina DNR officials offered their sympathies to the pet owners, they used the deadly incident as a warning for hunters.

“This unfortunate incident serves as an important safety reminder,” officials said in the release. “Hunters must always positively identify their target, be aware of what lies beyond it, and ensure they are shooting in a safe direction.”