CONVICTED (2020) | Natalie Kerr, born c. 1960, of Barlow Close, Bury BL9 6WF – allowed dozens of birds at her wildlife hospital to suffer
Acting on a tip-off, RSPCA officials found various neglected birds at the Greenmount Wild Bird Hospital in Garside Hey Road, Brandlesholme, Bury, including pigeons, corvids, blackbirds, an eagle owl, swans and geese in aviaries around the grounds.
In total 211 birds were found on the premises – and 145 were found to be in such as state they had to be put to sleep.
Charity bosses say many of the birds could not fly and were visibly injured or in poor condition.
The court heard a wooden building – which was used as the hospital unit – also contained more birds in what a vet described as in a “very poor state”.
RSPCA inspector Emma Dingley, who led the investigation, said that due to the number of birds which needed to be assessed, a mobile unit from the Greater Manchester Animal Hospital had to be sent to the site.
In a court statement RSPCA chief inspector Ben Strangwood added: “The aviaries were all looking tired and contained a lot of bird faeces and cobwebs.
“Some of the birds appeared unable to fly and were largely ground-dwelling, resulting in their feathers being a mess.
“Some birds had food and water and some didn’t. Some cages were very dirty with faeces. There were lots of flies and the smell was unpleasant.
“There were birds in there with head tilts, bandages/tape on wings, open wounds, glassy eyes indicating blindness, drooping wings, feathers in very poor condition.
Many birds had chronic or severe injuries or disease, which could not be treated without further compromising their welfare, or were unsuitable for release into the wild, or for permanent captivity.”
Emma added: “Many birds had chronic or severe injuries or disease, which could not be treated without further compromising their welfare, or were unsuitable for release into the wild, or for permanent captivity.
“One pigeon had a deformed beak which meant it was unable to feed himself and he was emaciated – the notes indicated he had been named Beaky by the hospital.
“Another duck was found with two broken wings which the hospital had named Wingie. There was also a pigeon with an open wound you could see his heart. It was so sad and a vet decided that many had to be put to sleep to end their suffering.”
Some of the birds were saved though and one blind European Eagle has been rehomed with a specialist keeper and is said to be thriving.
In October 2020 sanctuary manager Natalie Kerr pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to two identified birds and failing to ensure others received adequate care.
Sentencing: four-month curfew; £1,000 court costs. Banned from keeping birds for life.
Absolutely Heart Breaking.
Unless you have the Skills and the Time, the Correct Premises, the Help from various different Knowledgeable People.
Money set aside for Vet Bills, a regular Income.
Failing Which: This Is The Result.