CAERPHILLY BIRD RESCUER CAROL GRAVENOR SENTENCED FOR WILDLIFE ABUSE IN SOUTH WALES

In a case that has shocked the local community of Caerphilly and the wider South Wales region, Carol Ann Gravenor, born on May 2, 1956, has been found guilty of multiple animal welfare violations related to her operation of Caerphilly Bird Rescue. The incident came to light after an inspection revealed appalling conditions at her sanctuary, where numerous injured wild birds were kept in environments that were both unhygienic and hazardous.

During the investigation, RSPCA inspectors discovered a disturbing scene in April 2023, with a total of 26 wild birds, including pigeons, blackbirds, crows, jackdaws, a peregrine falcon, and a common buzzard, suffering in neglect. Many of these birds exhibited severe injuries such as fractured wings, damaged eyes, broken legs, and signs of bumblefoot, a painful bacterial infection. The conditions of the cages and enclosures were found to be filthy, with some cages stacked haphazardly in the garden, creating a dangerous and unsanitary environment.

Inspectors reported that some of the birds were kept in a makeshift kitchen area within the property, while others roamed freely in the garden or were confined within sheds. Tragically, 20 of the birds were found dead, underscoring the severity of neglect. Among the living birds, a peregrine falcon with a missing eye was discovered in a cage so cramped that it could not fully extend its wings. The environment lacked basic necessities such as water, and the cages were in a deplorable state, with minimal perches and excessive filth.

One of the most distressing findings was the proximity of predator and prey species kept in close quarters, which posed additional risks to the birds' health and safety. The inspector, Keith Hogben, described the scene as “poor with no water and a filthy cage which was too small for the falcon to spread its wings in all directions.” He also noted that the falcon’s cage was located just two feet from a cage containing eight pigeons, both in a state of neglect.

Further examination revealed that the centre housed a variety of birds in various states of suffering, with some living in the garden, some inside the house, and others in sheds. The inspector observed a nestling pigeon and two fledgling blackbirds on the kitchen table, along with a Jackdaw with an injured eye in a cardboard box. The overall environment was described as hazardous and unsuitable for the care of wild birds.

In total, 20 dead birds were recovered from the site, and all surviving birds were sent for assessment by a wildlife veterinarian at the RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre. Only five pigeons were deemed suitable for potential rehabilitation, highlighting the extent of the neglect and suffering inflicted upon the animals.

Carol Gravenor admitted to failing in her duty to meet the needs of the 26 birds under her care and was charged with six animal welfare offences, including causing unnecessary suffering to 17 birds. Her legal representative argued that her intentions were solely to help and rescue the birds, claiming she had tried her best despite lacking professional expertise. They acknowledged that she was overwhelmed by the situation and had acted out of good intentions.

Following her sentencing, Inspector Hogben emphasized the importance of proper knowledge, equipment, and facilities when caring for wild birds. He warned that well-meaning sanctuary owners can inadvertently worsen the plight of vulnerable animals if they do not seek professional veterinary advice and maintain appropriate, clean environments. Hogben stressed that the failure to do so in this case resulted in serious suffering for the birds involved.

Carol Gravenor was sentenced to a 14-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months. She was also ordered to pay a fine of £300, along with a victim surcharge of £154. Additionally, she received a lifetime ban on keeping any animals, a measure intended to prevent similar incidents in the future and to protect wildlife from neglect and abuse in South Wales.