‘Shrek’ donkey mauled in dog attack

Perry, Palo Alto’s famed miniature donkey, may be unfamiliar at first sight.

But slap on a ridiculous Eddie Murphy voiceover, and you may recognize him as the inspiration and model behind the computer animated “Shrek” movies.

However, the 18-year-old donkey has fallen on not-so-fun times.

On Nov. 6, a German shepherd mix mauled the miniature donkey, which left him with severe bites to the jaw, belly and legs. Now controversy arises over whether criminal charges should follow this animal-on-animal attack. According to a Palo Alto city official, it’s unlikely.

The German shepherd mix, who’s been ordered to be removed from the city, first attacked poor Perry on Sept. 25. The dog escaped from his yard and found his way into the donkey’s enclosed pasture at Bol Park.

This most recent incident, which is far more severe than the initial encounter, resulted from the dog being walked without a leash. Palo Alto Animal Services Acting Superintendent Connie Urbanski stressed the importance of walking dogs on leashes:

“This is a prime example of what can happen.”

The dog’s owners are expected to pay Perry’s medical bills; however, local indie pop band The Corner Laughers have recorded a five-track EP to help defray costs.

Meanwhile, Perry’s head handler Bob Frost told Inside Bay Area that the injured donkey is doing better. With his appetite returning, Frost even described him as “peppy.”