Donkey On The Loose In Johnston Months After Steer's Capture

JOHNSTON, RI — The latest animal seen roaming loose around Johnston is a fast and elusive donkey, reported The Providence Journal on Monday.

The donkey was first spotted around 7 p.m. Sunday in the 2900 block of Hartford Avenue, according to Johnston Police Chief Joseph Razza. The animal then made a brief appearance in Scituate before returning to Johnston to be seen again around 8:30 p.m. on Pine Hill Road.

"Here we go again," said Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena in an on-air interview with WPRO's Gene Valicenti.

It is unclear where the animal came from as no one has reported a missing donkey, said Polisena. However, it is likely the donkey escaped from a farm or yard in the nearby area. Officials are hoping to capture the animal before it causes any traffic issues.

Johnston is not unfamiliar with animal escapades. In 2018, three turkeys roamed the streets, disrupting traffic wherever they went. Two were captured in August, but the third got away and continued causing trouble.

Earlier this year, a 1,600 pound steer got loose as it was being unloaded at Rhode Island Beef & Veal slaughterhouse and ran loose for nearly two months before being captured on Pine Hill Avenue in March.