Vets were reduced to tears after entering a house of horrors – where they found the “worst case” of bird neglect.
Inside Brandon Hodge’s home were 19 birds of prey and owls confined inside dog and cat carriers filled with faeces and maggots.
The poor creatures had been let with no water, no room to stretch their wings, and living amongst the remains of deceased chicks.
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Inspectors that visited the Greenock, Scotland home found a melanistic barn owl with a dirty leash in a cramped carrier.
They also came across as Eurasian eagle owl with frayed and broken feathers, a northern white-faced owl with “barely any tail left due to trauma and contamination”, and a tropical screech owl with damaged tail and clipped wings.
Meanwhile a red footed falcon was discovered with tattered wings, and badly damaged tail feathers, and a leash “caked in faeces”, as reported by Need To Know.
A pygmy falcon, kestrels, and several other breeds of owl were also found in the home – with one kestrel even missing a foot.
After the Scottish SPCA’s inspection in May 2024, Hodge appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court for sentencing on Tuesday (4 November), after pleading guilty to several charges earlier this year.
He was sentenced to 12 months supervision, 90 hours of unpaid work and was disqualified from owning or keeping animals for five years.
Scottish SPCA SIU Inspector said: “The poor condition the birds were in and suffering they had endured significantly upset all involved in bringing this case to light.
“Upon entering the room the birds were being kept within, our experienced vets were brought to tears.”
“We are pleased with the outcome and the court’s decision.
“This is one of the worst cases I’ve worked on regarding bird welfare.
“The birds were seriously distressed, in an unsanitary and inappropriate environment, being subject to severe mental and physical suffering.
“This case is a step in the right direction for animal welfare in Scotland.”
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