Stolen parrot Barney and exotic pets found safe

SEVEN tortoises, a python, two lizards and an African grey parrot named Barney have been returned to the pet shop where they were stolen.

The animals were found after police officers in Ballymena, Co Antrim, searched a house in the Lanntara area of the town yesterday morning.

A man was arrested following the search.

The owners of Ladysmith Pet Shop were left heartbroken after thieves targeted their business earlier in the week, stealing a host of exotic animals and their pet parrot.

The thieves gained access to the business from the roof in the early hours of Monday morning, taking the exotic pets and Barney, a pet of shop owner Marion McAuley (64) for the last 10 years.

A sum of money was also taken.

Less valuable animals such as finches, budgies and bearded dragons were not targeted in the heist.

Branding those responsible as “scumbags”, Ms McAuley warned the animals would “deteriorate quickly” without the specialist care they need to survive.

Investigation

Speaking after the safe return of the animals, Chief Inspector Simon Ball thanked the public for their assistance.

“I would like to thank the community for the information provided, through our local social media accounts and directly to the neighbourhood policing team, which has brought this incident to a successful conclusion.

“One man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and handling stolen goods and our enquiries will continue in an attempt to secure convictions for all of those involved in this crime,” said the PSNI chief inspector.

“All animals are thankfully safe and well after their ordeal.”