Pet owners’ stark warning: Do not feed wild birds
An Ayr pet shop has issued a stark warning to customers asking them to stop feeding wild birds to halt the spread of killer avian flu.
Petcayr By T & G Hutchison Pet Supplies are passing on advice to regulars who are known for feeding birds in their gardens.
Bird feed is normally a top seller for the North Harbour shop - but they are asking customers to think twice before buying it.
Owner Catherine Hutchinson and business partner Steven Maddison have been doing their bit to inform residents. They are worried that bird feeders are encouraging wild birds to gather, leading to the spread of the deadly virus.
Catherine said she is shocked to find out that some birds have died and said: “Some of our elderly customers love to feed their birds in their garden but the last thing we want is for them to find a birdy has died and think it is their fault.
“We’ve already had folk saying they have found dead finches in their garden.
“We can’t have that, so we are asking them to take better care with their bird tables and if they can refrain from feeding them.We are shooting ourselves in the foot here but we are being responsible. We are just saying to customers to watch what you are doing and make sure tables are really clean.
“They also need to be careful with their cats and dogs to make sure they are protected too and they don’t go near any dead or sick birds in the garden.”
Customers who are continuing to feed birds have been told of hygienic ways to stop the spread of the killer strain and use disinfectant.