PICS: MP in hot water after SPCA rescues neglected African Grey Parrot

Clarence Ford interviews Barbara Friedman about this and other news on the web.

Listen below (skip to 08:56).

In late April 2024, the SPCA responded to a complaint about the living conditions of dogs on a property owned by a newly elected member of Parliament in the National Assembly.

During the initial inspection, the owner denied the Inspector access and instructed him to return later that day.

Upon the Inspector's return, the conditions appeared to be in order, suggesting the owner had hastily cleaned the animals’ living spaces.

However, the Inspector noticed an African Grey parrot with severe feather loss, prompting a written warning for the owner to have the bird examined by an exotic bird veterinarian.

The SPCA faced resistance during follow-up inspections and the owner accused the SPCA of harassment and refused to comply with the Inspectors.

After a lengthy discussion, the owner reluctantly agreed to a specific inspection time, warning the Inspector to “tread very carefully.”

Despite arriving at the agreed time, the Inspector was denied access once again.

With the owner’s continued non-compliance, the SPCA approached the Mitchells Plain Magistrates Court on 2 July and obtained an order.

Upon examination, the avian veterinarian's findings for the African Grey parrot were alarming:

• Radiographs indicated a respiratory infection and osteoarthritis.
• Blood tests revealed elevated creatine kinase, mild haemolysis, and low bound calcium levels.
• The bird was suffering from musculoskeletal pain and required ongoing pain medication, treatment for the respiratory infection, calcium supplementation, a proper diet, adequate sunlight, and a suitable cage.

"You expect people in office to be held to a higher standard."

- Barbara Friedman

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.