BARBARIC BIRDMAN TRUSSED UP BIRDS OF PREY IN CAT CAGES IN FILTHY HOME
Hodge pleaded guilty at Greenock Sheriff Court to charges of causing suffering by cramming the birds into tiny cages, where they were unable to exercise or clean themselves.He also admitted neglecting a Harris hawk, allowing it to suffer horrendous injuries, including a “severe, deep” injury to its leg, which led to the bird being humanely put down.
The charge relating to that bird stated that it suffered tissue necrosis due to a severe, deep and chronic constriction injury to its right leg, dermatitis on its neck and abdomen and lack of body condition for its size.
Hodge failed to keep the bird in a clean environment and without water or means of escape.
The filthy, cramped cage caused injury to the bird’s tail and flight feathers, which were matted and covered in urine and faeces.
Other birds were found in a similar state.
Despite the distressing experience of the birds, many of them were later rehomed with avian experts, including a falconry centre at a prominent Scottish hotel.
The Scottish SPCA’s Special Investigations Unit welcomed the conviction of Hodge.
One undercover officer said: “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.” Hodge will be sentenced at a later date.
