ROBIN O’CONNOR FROM POOLE SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO BIRDS IN SHOCKING CASE

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Robin Thomas O’Connor, a resident of Junction Road in Poole, was found guilty in 2021 of multiple welfare offences involving his kept birds. The case came to light after concerns were raised about the condition of the birds at his property, which led to a detailed investigation by the RSPCA and local police authorities.

On September 7, 2019, a member of the public contacted the RSPCA, expressing alarm over the apparent neglect at O’Connor’s residence. The caller reported that they had not seen him visit the property for an extended period, and they suspected that the birds housed there might be in distress or possibly dead. Responding swiftly, RSPCA officers along with police officers arrived at the address on the same day. Due to the absence of electricity within the flat, the officers had to use torches to conduct their inspection.

What they discovered was a scene of severe neglect. One of the rooms had been converted into an indoor aviary, filled with various bird cages, including several free-standing parrot cages and two large wooden cages that appeared to be purpose-built for housing birds. Inside these cages, officers found a heartbreaking sight: two of the cages contained dead Congo African Grey parrots, and beneath one of these cages, in a black plastic tray, lay two more deceased birds. The conditions inside the cages were deplorable, with no water available and the floors covered in bird droppings and leftover food waste, indicating a lack of recent cleaning.

Among the live birds found were two Bourkes Parakeets and a single bird of a parakeet-like species, all of which were in poor health. One of the large wooden cages housed two live Bourkes Parakeets, but also contained the remains of a dead bird on the floor and other carcasses in a rear corner. The second large cage held a single live bird, but the overall environment was clearly unsuitable for proper care.

Further inspection revealed that a boiler cupboard within the flat had been converted into an additional bird enclosure, with a wooden and mesh door. Inside, three dead birds were found lying on the floor, adding to the evidence of neglect. Shockingly, none of the aviaries contained water, and the entire environment was dirty and unkempt, with no signs of recent cleaning or maintenance.

It was also revealed that, at the time of the inspection, nine birds had already succumbed to starvation and neglect, with only three surviving. The authorities confirmed that O’Connor was solely responsible for the care of these birds and had failed to take any action to prevent their suffering and death. His admission to three animal welfare offences underscored the severity of the case.

RSPCA inspector Graham Hammond, who led the investigation, described the conditions as appalling. He stated, “The needs of the birds in this case had not been met. The environment they were found in was filthy and required a deep clean, dead decaying birds in with live birds, no electricity and therefore no UV provision. Many of the birds were found without food and water, some obviously thin as a result of this. They were also not protected from pain, slowly starving to death. Birds don’t store fat in the same way as mammals and require a consistent diet and access to water.”

He further emphasized that O’Connor, who was the sole caretaker, failed to act proactively to save the suffering birds. “There is never an excuse for simply walking away and leaving an animal. There is help available for those who, for whatever reason, find themselves unable to provide for their animals and we encourage people to seek out this help, rather than abandoning any animal.”

Since the rescue, the three surviving birds have been rehomed and are now in safe, caring environments. The court sentenced O’Connor to an 18-week prison term, suspended for 12 months. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, attend 20 days of rehabilitation activities, and pay costs and charges totaling £428. Furthermore, he received a five-year ban from keeping any animals, which will expire in February 2026.

This case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect, serving as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with caring for living creatures.