Neglected Birds Surrendered to ASPCA

(Springfield, Mo.)—A total of 107 birds seized from a property in Eastern Greene County were signed over to the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) by their owner before a scheduled hearing at the Greene County Circuit Court yesterday. In collaboration with the Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO), the ASPCA transferred the 97 birds to HSMO's Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, a rehabilitation center for abused and neglected horses and farm animals near Union, Mo. The remaining 10 birds will be transferred to another rescue group.

A search warrant was executed Tuesday morning, August 17, by the Greene County Sheriff's Office for the anticipated removal of a large number of birds, but officials discovered only 107. Under the authority and request of the Greene County Sheriff's Office and Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management, the ASPCA's Field Investigations and Response team assisted in the removal the birds, which were living in extremely overcrowded conditions. The birds, which include pigeons, chickens and guinea fowl, and other species such as ducks and finches, were living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, many crammed in cages without water or adequate food. The ASPCA transported the birds to an emergency shelter at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.

The investigation is on-going and the ASPCA is offering a $5,000 reward for any information that would assist the Greene County Sheriff's Office in the recovery of the remaining birds that were missing from the property. To provide information on the missing birds, please call Crime Stoppers at 869-TIPS (8477) or visit www.tipsubmit.com.

"We hope the community can help us determine the whereabouts of the missing birds," said Tim Rickey, the ASPCA's Senior Director of Field Investigation and Response. "Whether it's 100 or 2,000, the ASPCA's goal is to ensure animals receive proper medical treatment and find suitable homes."

"The investigation, rescue and adoption of abused and neglected animals is what we do every day in Missouri," added Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri. "We are glad we have the facilities and expertise at our Longmeadow Rescue Ranch to provide the shelter and care these animals need and deserve."

Animal handlers, veterinary technicians, and staff and volunteers from the ASPCA, Humane Society of Missouri, United Animal Nations, and SPCA Serving Erie County, N.Y. assisted in the removal and transport of the birds, and PetSmart Charities donated supplies.