Flock of abused macaws to fly to Florida facility
The Daily Progress/Andrew Shurtleff
Thirty-one recently rescued macaws at the Central Virginia Parrot Sanctuary, including these three, will head to a Florida shelter via a court agreement.
Advertisement
Text size: small | medium | large
By Bryan McKenzie
Published: July 18, 2008
ORANGE — Thirty-one macaws seized by animal control officials from an Orange County couple in May will be transferred to a facility in Florida and returned to the couple in 18 months, providing they pay nearly $20,000 in medical bills owed to local veterinarians.
According to an agreement approved earlier this month in Orange County General District Court, Danny Ray Crosswhite, 49, and Sally A. Crosswhite, 58, will regain possession of the birds, all animal cruelty and neglect charges will be dropped and all seizure efforts cease, providing the couple make the payments by Jan. 9.
On May 12, Orange County animal control agents seized the birds from a property at 28190 Old Office Road in Rhoadesville. Animal control officers said the birds were held under plastic tarps, susceptible to weather, and locked in small, rusted-shut cages with mounds of droppings beneath them.
The birds were taken to a Louisa County bird shelter, where they have been housed and fed since the seizure.
Matthew Paulson, a Virginia Beach attorney who represents the Crosswhites, declined to comment on the agreement.
Volunteers who have cared for the macaws since the seizure say many are in poor physical health caused by being fed improper or spoiled foods over a long period of time and receiving inadequate medical care. Many of the birds have responded to human contact, however, said Matt Smith of the Central Virginia Parrot Sanctuary.
According to court documents, the Crosswhites are to receive the birds from the Louisa sanctuary Friday. They are then to transport them to Luv Them Birds, a Florida company that breeds, sells and takes in abandoned birds for later adoption.
According to The Gabriel Foundation, the Crosswhites have agreed to pay $50 per month per bird for boarding fees. There are no provisions in the court agreement that would reimburse the sanctuary for costs it has incurred in caring for the animals.
The sanctuary has received no support from the county or the court.
A national organization, the Denver-based Gabriel Foundation was contacted by the Crosswhites’ attorneys to find a place to house the birds. Luv Them Birds is owned and operated by Gabriel Foundation board member Kathleen Szabo.
According to the breeders association and The Gabriel Foundation, the Crosswhites lost their home and moved the macaws to a neighboring property under temporary conditions. County animal control officers seized the birds before the Crosswhites could get back on their financial feet.
Animal rights groups have criticized The Gabriel Foundation for its involvement on behalf of the Crosswhites, who admit the birds were once breeding stock but say the birds are now pets. A national exotic bird breeders association set up a legal defense fund for the Crosswhites, with donations accessible through an Internet site, that criticizes Orange County animal control officers and the sanctuary.
Sylvia Wooters has fostered two of the macaws. She said the female will have no contact with humans and the male is still weak from neglect that has damaged his liver and left a large hole in his mouth.
“Once a week he goes to the vet and they anesthetize him, clean out the debris and the pus from the hole and give him an antibiotic shot,” Wooters said. “This happens every Tuesday. If he gets put into a population of a lot of birds and cannot have individual attention, I don’t think he’ll last long.”
Wooters and others at the Louisa sanctuary say many of the macaws are being treated for disease and infection. One bird has had a partial wing amputation because of an infection that could not be stemmed, she said.
Discuss this here in our forum.
Can't find what you're looking for? Try our quick search:
Reader Reactions
Posted by ( zarkadasa ) on July 26, 2008 at 6:37 pm
The birds did not “fly” to florida; they were packed into the back of a truck/trailer, in the summer heat, no food or water and no airconditioning, to make the 13-16 hour drive.
Now THOSE are people who care about the welfare of the birds.
Report Inappropriate Comment
Posted by ( zarkadasa ) on July 26, 2008 at 5:13 pm
they didn’t “FLY” to Florida. They were loaded into the back of an un-airconditioned truck/trailer, no food, no water, to make the 13 hour trip in the heat.
Good work, Julie Murad!
Report Inappropriate Comment
Posted by ( Batman ) on July 26, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Birdlover, er I mean Laurella, as far as anyone can see there has been a plethora of information and footage that has come out of the place they have been for the past 2 months and the care they have received.
That can’t be said for the breeding facility they are going to in FL. Why has there been not one piece of info. or one picture out from the facility in FL? If it’s such a paradise for these Macaws to go to, they should be plastering the new aviary accomodations pictures all over the place to show people. That is sadly not the case.
Laurella, in your quest to squash all people and groups who even hint at animal rights, you have thrown aside any and all morals you may have once had by defending cruelty at all costs. It’d be a stretch to even consider you a welfarist. If there’s anyone in the avian community that should have a hard time sleeping at night, it should be you.
Report Inappropriate Comment
Posted by ( Marc Johnson ) on July 26, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Dear Birdlover and Birdmother,
Just because you make up stuff and post them does not make them “facts”. Perhaps in your deluded minds you can convince yourselves, and others who blindly follow your gibberish, if you just keep saying the same old stuff over and over again. Twisting the truth, i.e. saying things like TGF were mandated by the courts, may get some to believe you only because they cannot take the time to examine the facts for themselves. We all know that TGF is closely aligned with the philosophies of the AFA and ASA, that is where most of their supporters come from and it is only natural that when Fred Smith, Florida director of the AFA, could not get these birds released into his “rescue facility” that the help of TGF would be solicited. Even TGF has changed their story a few times now. Originally on their website they posted that some of the birds had died under Matt’s care. Seems that TGF was printing all they were being spoonfed by the defendants’ representatives? Below is the original page, a simple phone call to Matt would have solved this problem. Oh ya, and weren’t the birds already in an accredited sanctuary? Did they have to be moved? Where are they now?
31 Macaws in Virginia
There is rumor and misinformation circulating about The Gabriel Foundation and its actions on behalf of
31 macaws presently under the care of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Gabriel Foundation was contacted on or about July 1, 2008 by an individual acting on behalf of the
birds’ owners, requesting assistance from TGF to provide them with names of parrot sanctuaries, parrot rescue or welfare organizations with which we were familiar or with whom we had networked on the East Coast.
During this conversation we were informed that there was an ongoing situation that involved a large
number of macaws, animal control officers, possible theft and possible animal cruelty charges. We were
told that:
1. The birds were located in Virginia;
2. The birds were all ex-breeders that had been purchased as a group many years earlier; some of
the birds had (previously) hatched young while in the care of the present owners;
3. The birds reportedly had lived outdoors their entire lives;
4. The birds had been living on a rental property at the time of the investigation
because the owners had lost their home;
5. While on that property, the birds’ cages were kept padlocked and had been broken into, wire
and/or padlocks were cut and the birds were removed or stolen by unknown persons;
6. The media became involved due to the seizure and possible animal cruelty charges;
7. The group of birds had been dispersed to various locations when seized and some or all were
then returned to the owners;
8. Upon dispersal, some of the macaws were determined to be living at a local bird sanctuary;
9. Some deceased birds were reportedly found in cages at that sanctuary;
Report Inappropriate Comment
Posted by ( Charlie King ) on July 26, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Breeders don’t retire anything. They use animals up. If a bird isn’t producing, they will trade another breeder so they can try their luck!
Can anyone see what happens with dogs and cats? It’s worse with parrots because they are not domesticated and they live a long time. The high costs of large parrots ensures that some scum will try to make money on their backs.
By the way, the babriel Foundations website is not responding this morning. More damage control?
Report Inappropriate Comment
Posted by ( birdlover ) on July 26, 2008 at 6:46 am
I wonder just how many people responding on this forum know ZIP about macaws, much less about breeding macaws. If they knew ANYTHING they would know these birds are RETIRED breeding birds. Retired means just that...they “ain’t gonna breed no more”!!!
Many KNOWLEDGEABLE people who raise birds have a small colony of retired breeders. These bird owners purchased such a colony, and some were their pets.
Instead of ranting about how these birds are going to breed...how about asking some critical questions…
Like...WHERE are the TWO PET GREENWINGS?
WHO has those birds? Who KEPT them? That is just plain THEFT…
WHO was the original thief in the case of the “returned” hyacinth and blue and gold?
And...WHO “managed” the photos to present the “picture” they wanted? What “agenda” did the photographer have?
Clue..there WAS an agenda there.
And, what makes the Central VA Parrot Sanctuary so ideal that they should have housed the birds? Just HOW MUCH experience with ANY bird does a 27 year old guy with a pet conure have?
How many bird related seminars and conferences has this sanctuary owner attended?
Or does he simply get his “incredible” knowledge from his “mentor”?
Why did the Crosswhites CHOOSE the Gabriel Foundation? Because it is the MOST PROFESSIONAL MOST RESPECTED SANCTUARY IN THE US...This facility was their choice...and their choice was STIPULATED in the legal agreements!
Finally, WHY are these forum responders so angry about everyone EXCEPT the Central VA Parrot Sanctuary? Hmmm… Because they are his buddies? And it looks like the sanctuary owner is unhappy because he thought HE was going to get all those birds!!!! Tough.
These forum complaints have VERY LITTLE to do with the welfare of the birds and WORLDS to do with the loss of the macaws to be used as POSTER BIRDS which would bring in donation dollars to the local sanctuary. TOUGH.
These macaws will be receiving appropriate care from knowledgeable and experienced people. That is what counts.
The welfare of these birds is the goal of the owners and the TGF.
Report Inappropriate Comment
Posted by ( birdmother ) on July 25, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Please remember that newspapers don’t always have all the facts or present the facts they do have clearly. Here is part of the statement from the Gabriel Foundation website:
It is important to remember that the Commonwealth of VA has made this ruling to which the
birds� owners, Orange County Animal Control and The Gabriel Foundation and its assigns must adhere.
Here are the facts:
1. The birds were located in Virginia;
2. The birds had been purchased as a group many years earlier; some of the birds had (previously) hatched
young while in the care of the present owners;
3. The birds reportedly had lived in shelters outdoors their entire lives;
4. As part of an agreement between the owners and the Commonwealth of Virginia the birds were to go
into a �certified� avian sanctuary or shelter for some period of time;
5. The birds� owners have legal representation and it was requested that the Commonwealth allow the
owners the opportunity to locate suitable placement for the birds;
6. The owners or their legal representative(s) were informed that they would be financially responsible for
all care and veterinary costs incurred on behalf of their birds;
7. TGF has had no contact with the owners � and has communicated only with their attorney;
8. TGF was contacted in early July by the attorney for the birds� owners regarding specific information
about TGF�s long term foster care program, costs, requirements and availability.
9. TGF was contacted on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 by an Animal Control Officer for Orange County, VA
with questions regarding TGF�s long term foster care program in regard to these 31 macaws.
10. In resolution, The Commonwealth of VA made the decision to place the birds in the care of The Gabriel
Foundation and set a date for the birds� owners to transfer the macaws to TGF at the predetermined
location for the effective time period.
URL: http://www.thegabrielfoundation.org/
Its a good idea to check the facts before making assumptions. Go to TGF’s website to see what they have to say. I have known many of the people involved with TGF for many years, including Julie. The aviary is very well run and is full of birds who have lost their homes. Their adoption process is rigorous and includes home visits. It keeps probably keeps lots of people from adopting a bird.
Report Inappropriate Comment
Posted by ( Batman ) on July 25, 2008 at 6:50 pm
“Birdlover” AKA Laurella Desborough (bird breeder), your internet rants are so redundant and predictable that everyone knows it is you, no matter what name you hide behind.
You’re saying that the birds were well cared for? Look at http://www.madmacaws.net and tell everyone again how well cared for they were. If you think those conditions are acceptable, shame on you.
Also, TGF’s involvement was NOT mandated by the court. TGF was approached by the defense for help, in which TGF agreed. Last time I checked, that is willingly entering into an agreement. They could have said no. Wonder why they didn’t? The opportunity to send a large number of free macaws to Julie’s breeder friend Kathleen in FL perhaps?
So Laurella, where will the next avian cruelty case show up in this fine Country of ours? Wherever it is, we can bet that you and the rest of the breeder extremists, and possibly even TGF, will be there to defend it in the name of aviculture.
Report Inappropriate Comment
Posted by ( birdlover ) on July 25, 2008 at 8:52 am
All these attacks on the Gabriel Foundation are very strange, in view of the fact that TGF agreed to take care of the birds based on a COURT ORDER...not on their request or their intervention.
Folks, you might try to focus on FACTS not on rumor and the constant hate mongering that has followed this unhappy case. There has been a lot of non-factual material put forward to the media and published...which is not unusual in any “big story.” BUT...even so, people need to look at the reality.
There are several victims in this case, first the birds which were pulled from their known environments and terribly stressed during the process, then separated from their companions of many years. Then the owners who were NOT given any notice that they had a problem in the care of the birds. Then the Gabriel Foundation who responded to a request by the court and is obeying a COURT ORDER. TGF did not request these birds or intervene in the disposition or legal discussions.
So, let’s look at the REAL victims here and stop blaming those who are providing solutions to the problem. Or is the issue really the welfare of the birds, or some other agenda???
Report Inappropriate Comment
Posted by ( birdlover ) on July 24, 2008 at 11:38 pm
This story contains some inaccuracies, likely because the reporter was not provided with the “rest of the story.” For instance, the birds were NOT housed in small cages with doors rusted shut...instead they were housed in proper macaw caging, with PADLOCKS on the doors to protect the birds from thieves. However, it seems that folks took it upon themselves to cut holes in the cages to remove the birds...claiming they were abandoned. Does the situation indicate abandonment when cages have padlocked doors and food and water for the birds?
Who called the authorities to complain about the macaws? What warrant was issued for the confiscation of these birds? What did the prior “reported theft” of two macaws have to do with the confiscation? WHO was found to be in possession of those two stolen birds??? WHERE were all these macaws housed for the past many days? The article says the bird sanctuary in Louisa, but some individuals claim to have these birds in their homes. Why would the county reimburse the sanctuary for the care of these birds IF they were housed elsewhere? What is the truth here? It seems there are many unanswered questions here. Perhaps answers to these questions would amaze most of us and possibly mortify some of the folks who have been writing such hateful messages about the macaw owners and their birds. Seems like there is a lot more to this story than has been made public.
It is noteworthy that the county court was readily willing to return the birds, just as long as the vet bills were paid. What does that indicate about the charges of abuse?
And what in the world is the matter with folks who attack the Gabriel Foundation for following a decree of COURT ORDERED SANCTUARY?? The Gabriel Foundation has NOT assisted in the defense of the macaw owners, but has graciously agreed to care for these birds and fulfill the COURT ORDER. No other East Coast bird sanctuary had the proper facilities and expertize to do so, since most such sanctuaries complain of being so full that they cannot take another bird!!!
What in the world motivates people to such a fury of hate? Looks like they have forgotten the WELFARE of these birds. What prevents people from seeing the facts? What encourages them to spread rumor and vilification when the real point is the welfare of the birds.
Report Inappropriate Comment