SPCA takes action against parrot neglect in Gordon's Bay

Two parrots removed from an apartment in Gordon’s Bay earlier this month were later humanely euthanised after veterinarians found evidence of prolonged neglect and severe welfare compromise, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA has confirmed.

The birds were seized after SPCA inspectors executed a warrant following repeated failed attempts to address serious welfare concerns at the property.

The matter began after a cruelty complaint was lodged regarding the treatment and condition of two parrots kept at the apartment. Initial inspections raised immediate concerns, including visible feather loss and signs of distress.

Inspectors issued warnings and instructed the owner to obtain specialist veterinary care, but compliance did not follow. Over the weeks that followed, inspectors attempted multiple follow-ups through phone calls, visits and written notices. At times, access to the premises was refused and communication later ceased entirely.

With no proof that the parrots had been examined by a specialist exotic bird veterinarian, and with inspectors deliberately denied access to assess their condition, the SPCA said it had no option but to pursue legal action.

Inspector Lwazi Ntungele applied for and was granted a warrant in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, read together with Regulation 468, authorising inspectors to enter the premises and remove the birds to prevent further suffering.

Both parrots were taken to an independent exotic bird veterinarian for urgent assessment following their removal. Veterinary examinations found that the birds had been suffering for an extended period and that their conditions were neither recent nor accidental.

One of the birds, a large macaw, was diagnosed with severe chronic feather-destructive behaviour, extensive feather loss and signs of long-term psychological distress. Diagnostic imaging revealed an old wing fracture that had healed incorrectly, indicating a serious injury that had never received proper veterinary treatment. Additional findings included an overgrown beak, trauma consistent with inadequate housing and evidence of previous air sac injury.

The second bird, an umbrella cockatoo, was found to have severe generalised feather loss, permanent damage to feather follicles and indicators of chronic stress. Radiographs identified airsacculitis, degenerative joint disease and other signs of long-term welfare compromise.

The veterinarian noted that birds instinctively mask illness and said the extent of pathology observed could only have developed over a prolonged period. In both cases, the conditions were described as incompatible with acceptable standards of avian care and indicative of chronic neglect rather than isolated incidents.

Despite intervention, neither bird responded to treatment and the decision was taken to humanely euthanise both to prevent further suffering.

“The moment inspectors are ignored or denied access, or when warnings are repeatedly disregarded, the SPCA has a legal duty to escalate the matter. We will not walk away from cases where animals are suffering, and we will use every lawful tool available to protect them,” the organisation said.

The SPCA has laid criminal charges of animal cruelty against the owner under the Animals Protection Act. The case is under investigation by the South African Police Service and will be placed before court, where the evidence gathered and veterinary findings are expected to be presented.

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