
Meteorologist Interrupted by Donkeys on Live TV, Men Plead Guilty to Killing Burros
Meteorologist interrupted by donkeys during report in Ohio.

John Feikema and Christopher James Arnet have pleaded guilty to federal charges of killing three wild burros in the Mojave Desert using high-powered rifles more than two years ago. The incident occurred on November 6, 2021, in a remote area northeast of Barstow.
Charges and Pleas
The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that Feikema and Arnet pleaded guilty to one felony count of possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle and one misdemeanor count of maliciously causing the death of a burro on public lands. Wild burros are protected under federal law and are considered an iconic symbol of the American Southwest.
Shooting Details
During the incident, Feikema, 36, fired at least four shots, while Arnet, 32, fired at least five shots. One of the burros was shot near its spine, causing paralysis in its hind legs and severe pain before it died. The bullet removed from the burro matched Arnet’s firearm. The weapons, described as unregistered "AR-style" rifles, were later seized at the men's residences.
Legal Consequences
As part of their plea agreements, the defendants agreed to surrender the rifles, over 4,000 rounds of ammunition, night vision goggles, and other tactical gear. They are set to be sentenced on July 8, with each defendant facing a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for the firearm violation and up to one year for the burro deaths.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting wildlife and the consequences of violating federal laws related to the preservation of endangered species. The killing of these wild burros is a serious offense that has resulted in legal repercussions for the individuals involved. This incident is a stark reminder of the need for stricter enforcement of laws protecting endangered animals on public lands.
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