‘Decorated’ sparrows dying of starvation
SPCA Wellington is hunting for those responsible for putting trinkets on sparrows which are leading to cruel deaths, many by starvation or thirst.
For years someone has been “decorating” sparrows in the eastern suburb of Kilbirnie but in the last few months, a spike in cases has emerged.
SPCA regional manager for the central region, Ros Alsford, said someone had been putting tinsel, bits of wire decoration and rings on the birds.
“We’ve seen some Christmas tinsel and ribbons, wire decorations with beads on them and . . . elaborate rings on some birds,” she said.
“We’ve had so many calls, numerous people are incredibly concerned about it so we would like somebody to come forward if they’ve got any information.
“There’s only three streets in Kilbirnie that this seems to be happening, so it’s definitely an intentional thing.”
Alsford said most of the birds had been found in the Salek and Te Whiti St area but was unable to confirm the third street.
The birds’ natural movements are restricted when they are decorated, often around their necks, wings, feet and beaks.
Members of the public handed in birds throughout last year but the numbers started to increase over the Christmas period, Alsford said.
“Obviously, someone is doing it intentionally because it’s not natural behaviour for birds,” she said.
The SPCA wasn’t sure whether the
person responsible was being intentionally cruel, however due to the distressing effects on the birds, they want the person to stop.
An appeal was posted on SPCA Wellington’s Facebook page, seeking information from the public which would help solve “the case of cruelty”.