At a Glance
- A TikTok video with nearly 100,000 likes sent crowds to Helen McCoy Loop in Chino Hills, California
- Red Bucket Rescue and Sanctuary says visitors now feed and scare 100+ rescued horses and donkeys
- City officials and ranchers post etiquette signs to protect the animals’ safety
- Why it matters: The sanctuary’s rescued animals-already traumatized by past abuse-face new stress that could trigger dangerous reactions
A single TikTok clip has turned a quiet Chino Hills hiking trail into a tourist magnet, leaving ranchers scrambling to shield rescued horses and donkeys from well-meaning but risky visitor behavior.
The Video That Changed Everything
Helen McCoy Loop, a network of paths that includes the Eucalyptus Trail, has long been a local favorite. That changed after a TikTok post showcasing animals visible from the trail collected close to 100,000 likes and hundreds of comments within weeks.
The footage highlighted horses, donkeys, ponies and other farm animals that live at Red Bucket Rescue and Sanctuary, a forever home for more than 100 animals saved from abusive situations. The clip gave no instructions on responsible viewing, and visitors arrived expecting hands-on encounters.
Susan Peirce, president of the sanctuary, told CBS News that the animals thrive on predictable, low-stress routines. “The environment that we create for them is one of peace and tranquility and safety,” she said.
Crowds Cross the Line
The new foot traffic quickly moved from curious glances to direct interference. According to Peirce, guests have:
- Fed carrots, apples and even tossed salads over the fence
- Deliberately startled animals to watch them run
- Ignored posted boundaries designed to keep both species safe
She emphasized that startling already-traumatized equines “can be really dangerous for the horses and donkeys,” risking injury to animals and onlookers alike.
Amanda S. Bennett reported that neither the sanctuary nor city officials anticipated the sudden spotlight. Peirce now spends part of each day asking visitors to respect the fences and refrain from feeding residents.
City and Ranchers Push Back
Chino Hills city leaders responded by publishing trail-etiquette reminders on the municipal website and across social channels. The guidelines stress:
- Observe animals from a distance
- Do not feed or touch livestock
- Keep dogs leashed and children close
- Stay on marked trails
Peirce and neighboring ranchers supplemented the digital campaign with physical signs near trailheads. The placards explain why treats that seem harmless can disrupt specialized diets and trigger aggressive behavior among herd members.
Why the Disturbance Hits Hard
Red Bucket’s residents arrive with histories of starvation, neglect or physical abuse. Caregivers structure each day around minimizing triggers:
- Feeding schedules remain identical to reduce anxiety
- Quiet zones allow animals to decompress
- Human interaction happens only during supervised rehabilitation sessions
Uncontrolled visitor contact shatters that framework. News Of Los Angeles notes that some equines have begun pacing or retreating from caretakers, stress responses that can stall years of behavioral progress.
What Happens Next
Peirce continues to meet with city staff to explore longer-term protections, such as:
- Installing additional fencing or visual barriers
- Assigning volunteer docents during peak hiking hours
- Updating trail maps to clarify property boundaries
She hopes heightened public awareness will restore the calm environment her animals need to heal. “We just want people to stop and think before they try to feed or scare them,” she told News Of Los Angeles.
Caretakers emphasize that the best help hikers can offer is to admire the animals quietly, keep food tucked away, and share accurate etiquette with others drawn to the viral hotspot.
Key Takeaways
- One viral TikTok has overwhelmed a sanctuary that spent years shielding abused equines from stress
- Simple acts like feeding a carrot can endanger both animals and visitors
- City officials and ranchers are posting rules and signs, but visitor cooperation determines whether the sanctuary can maintain its calm, recovery-focused environment
