In one of the largest animal rescues in Oregon history, the Oregon Humane Society yesterday seized 245 pet birds, including many exotic species, from a Damascus resident under investigation for animal neglect.
Nov. 11, 2016 – Adoption update here »
Many of the birds were housed in overcrowded cages filled with feces and waste that was sometimes several inches deep. Cages were often stacked three or four high, with feces and food waste overflowing from the top cages to the cages below. Many of the birds suffered from severe feather plucking and overgrown nails and beaks, while others appeared to be suffering from chronic stress.
A representative from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife who visited the location with OHS, observed that, “Everything was wrong: crowded cages, no perches, no fresh drinking water, some with no food, cages haven’t been cleaned … no evidence of common care.” A veterinarian from the Oregon Zoo, asked to review the conditions, stated that, “It is obvious that basic veterinary and husbandry care are not being provided.”
The birds were housed in a metal pole barn located on SE Bel Air Drive in Damascus. OHS was alerted to the condition of the birds by a citizen who was concerned about overcrowded conditions, poor sanitation and poor air circulation inside the building. The owner of the birds identified himself as a long-time breeder who stated to OHS that he had not truly cleaned the cages since last spring. The owner declined to surrender the birds voluntarily and said he planned to sell some of the birds.
OHS Humane Special Agents, with the assistance of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant the morning of July 6 and seized 245 birds and one kinkajou (a small mammal). The bird species seized include African gray parrots, macaws, cockatoos, conures, ring neck doves, pigeons, Amazon parrots, finches and parakeets.
The birds were transported to an emergency animal shelter prepared by OHS, where they were examined by a veterinarian and treated for medical issues. The animals are not available for adoption at this time and are not available for viewing by the public.
How You Can Help
OHS is in need of special supplies to assist with the care of the birds. Those who would like to help are encouraged to donate some of the needed items found on our Wish List here and our Amazon registry here.
If you are interested in becoming an OHS foster care volunteer, please find information and the application here.
The animals involved in this case are currently in protective custody and cannot be rehomed at this time. OHS will continue to update the public on our website and social media as we can. This is an ongoing investigation. Nov. 11, 2016 – Adoption update here »
Notes: OHS does not maintain wait lists for interested adopters. OHS will provide updates on this case as we can, including adoption information if/when available. Watch our website and refresh it often for new information, see currently available pets for adoption here, and consider signing up for our email newsletter here to be notified of any updates.
Video: Rescue and Emergency Shelter Set-up
I would appreciate being on a list for an adoptive home when its appropriate. Have experience with the large exotic breeds. It requires ALOT of commitment because as healthy and happy bird, they might outlive you!
Thank you thank you OHS!!! Warms my heart to see them in clean housing, with fresh water & nutritious food as well as being safe! I have a couple of used cages as well as other parrot related items I would like to donate, will you accept used items in good condition?
I hope this person does some serious jail time.
I live in Michigan and have experience in caring for large birds and would love to adopt a few. They would live right with me in my home.
Scum of the earth.
Thank God- what a blessing to these dear babies! Praying for good homes for them, will help as I can. ❤
Might I suggest reaching out to this organization: http://www.cockatoorescue.org
Some of the birds are going to be so traumatized that adopting them out is going to be exceedingly difficult. This is a sanctuary where some of the birds may be able to live out thier lives well cared for.
Hi, I just donated $10, all I can do at this time. I would like to hear about where i can adopt one when they become available, there are no bird rescues organizations in Idaho. thanks!
Poor babies, you’ve done an amazing thing
would like to adopt a bird if that is possible.
Sometimes the criminal court proceedings take months or longer. Once the “breeder” is convicted then they should be available. In the mean time I am sure the county could use assistance with the vet bills and expenses, as well as volunteer care. 🙂
Thank you so much for rescuing these precious feathered creatures. I am sending a donation. Thank you!!!!
hopefully these angels on earth will find the homes, love and care that they deserve.
如果有一天，我潇洒死去，请记得，我来过这里！
Birdie says thank you for giving me food! And a clean cage.
Do you need any fosters for the birds?
Oh my goodness. How any ‘breeder’ could think those conditions is okay is beyond me! No doubt some of them are going to be sick… and traumatised. They’re so intelligent. People don’t realise birds can have mental illnesses from neglect.
As a bird owner myself (just one Indian ringneck), I don’t understand how anyone could treat such wonderful creatures in a horrible way…
I don’t know how he planned to sell those birds, either. Plucked feathers, poor conditions; you’d have to be mad to give him money for the way he ran things! No one should be rewarded for that.
I hope if any of them can eventually be adopted out that they find their forever home. And for those that can’t, hopefully they find a sanctuary for them. 8(
Hi all, thank you for your interest in helping these birds. Please see above – all animals rescued in this case are in protective custody and cannot be adopted at this time. We will update our website and social media when we have news. For now, this is an open, ongoing investigation. The birds will continue to be cared for by OHS as the case progresses. If you would like to become an OHS foster care volunteer, the information can be found above and at https://www.oregonhumane.org/get-involved/volunteer/foster-care/. Meanwhile, donations of the needed supplies linked above are most helpful. Thanks again!
Thank you for rescuing these birds….you are awesome. Donating….
I used to live in Ptld, but I now live in Ocean Park , Wa. I have owned my wonderful 18 yr. old macaw for 11 years. I love big birds & would be happy to foster &/or adopt any birds needing homes. I am experienced in handling large birds. Please include me in any future notifications regarding the needs of any of these poor babies.
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QUESTION RE WISHLIST SUPPLIES ON AMAZON – Can you accept ‘used’ perches, for example, or must they be new and unused? I see some new perches, but also many used available and will not purchase if you cannot accept them. – Thank you for your work! Best, IRB
Yes, we can always use used items as well as the new ones shown on the registry. Thanks!
Just had a cage sent from Amazon. I’m so sorry for these birds and so grateful to you for helping them.
I know you’re busy, but any updates on the status of this situation?
I donated toys via Bonka.
Thank you for your donation! We were able to post an update to social media regarding all of the donations we received, which have been amazing. OHS cannot provide any updates on the case or the birds until the legal case progresses further, however. This may take some time.
Thank you for your response and the info that you’ve received generous donations. Legal status complications are understood. What social media outlet / platform are you posting updates to?
OHS utilizes Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and has a social feed on our website here for all #OHSpets content. You can find quick links to all social platforms in the left side menu universal to our website. Usual username: @oregonhumane
I’d like to be on the adoptive list too. I’ve had exotic birds for 17 years, have an extra cage which would work for med or smaller birds and would purchase whatever is needed for larger parrots.
Are any of these birds being put up for adoption? We are looking to adopt a pigeon to join our rescue pigeon.
The court case is still in progress. So, unfortunately we cannot provide updates on the birds at this time, other than to say they are still receiving excellent care from OHS staff and volunteers. We will update on the case as soon as we can, but it can take time. OHS does have pigeons seeking homes sometimes (from other circumstances/not protective custody), so you’re welcome to keep an eye on our website and sign up for alerts to be notified when one (or more) comes in.
Heartbreaking. Donating, sharing, and waiting with bated breath. I look forward to adopting and helping rehabilitate some of these fids find a safe forever home. So many years left! Thanks to you they can live out the rest with attention, health, happiness, and fun. <3 Thank you!
Animal Hoarding is a mental illness. These animals were not receiving care and the owner refused to surrender. I believe that the Oregon Humane Society responded appropriately. I’m curious as to which species of bird you are referring to? Stress is something to consider, however when compared to the long list of issues, it takes a back seat. I’m sure they transferred the birds as stress-free as possible.
I see a lot of people here want to adopt. Might I suggest helping out now if you are close enough to do so and that way the right bird will pick you. It works every time. That is how I have had so many of mine. Some birds might not want you and you should listen to them.