#TroyParrot Update – BREAKING STORY

The following post was contributed by Ani Sangye “@sangyeH” on twitter:

After speaking with two individuals in Ohio who have direct knowledge of the Troy Parrot situation,  we have learned that the 50 parrots remaining on the property are still in harm’s way. They have been moved to a building on the property that is completely inadequate and unsafe for the birds, despite what the Humane Officer (Sharon Karns) in charge of the case says. It’s a metal building without windows, running water or air conditioning and has one fan to cool 50 birds. The parrots are not in good condition after having been starved for an indefinite amount of time and having eaten drywall, furniture and been exposed to toxins,etc…. They are not receiving proper veterinary care and no consideration is given to their intense psychological trauma. Basically, the parrots are being treated like chickens.

The officials at a neighboring county Humane Society are furious at how this case has been handled. They said they would have immediately seized the birds and arrested the owner (Doug Ratcliff) and certainly wouldn’t have given him two weeks to clean up a house that is or should be condemned. According to these individuals,  Doug Ratcliff has been in similar trouble before, with a record of parrot abuse and neglect that extends back 8 years—yet another reason to have arrested him and seized the birds immediately.

There is a fair amount of suspicious activity surrounding this case. No one understands why Sharon Karns didn’t seize the birds or why she gave Doug Ratcliff two weeks to clean up the premises. No one understands why she insists that the metal building is suitable housing for the birds when every parrot specialist says it is not. No one understands why she won’t authorize Dr. Bauer (the veterinarian who has the 10 sickest birds) to treat and foster the remaining 50 birds. She is married to the President of the Miami County Humane Society, which may explain why no one at her office is intervening on behalf of the birds. Last night there was a public meeting scheduled by the Humane Society for discussion of the Troy parrots.  When our sources and numerous other bird lovers arrived, they found a sign saying the meeting had been moved, but there was no new location. This is apparently an illegal action, as the 501c3 is required to have public meetings. Finally, one of our sources said there had been tampering of evidence at the property.

We hope that the ASPCA and PETA will intervene on behalf of the parrots who are still very much in harm’s way.