See response below
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: LGF
Date: Tue, Nov 15, 2011 at 2:04 PM
Subject: FW: horrible bird abuse
To: Elizabeth Young
FYI-
------ Forwarded Message
*From: *LGF
*Date: *Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:58:15 -0800
*To: *
*Conversation: *horrible bird abuse
*Subject: *FW: horrible bird abuse
Hi Sherri,
This is Linda Fisher. I hope you’re doing well. Elliot forwarded your email
to me because I am IDA’s captive bird Campaign Director, so here are my
thoughts.
As with most captive bird topics, this is complicated and it is not
necessarily a black and white issue.
Tethering and the use of jesses can keep raptors safe if they are used
appropriately, and if not, they can be dangerous. One must address this
with knowledge and not jump to conclusions.
Tethering is usually used in conjunction with lofting (large flight
aviaries) and when the raptor is in the midst of being trained and when
they are preparing the bird for his/her daily flight. Responsible falconers
fly their birds at least twice a day so the birds can experience long
distance flight and can hunt as if they were in the wild. Prior, and when
the birds return, is often when tethering and jesses are used. As with
parrots in cages, it is not ideal, but cages can keep parrots safe if not
misused. Tethering can do the same thing for raptors. Some people keep
raptors tethered and do not fly them. This, in my opinion would be
negligent and abuse.
The only person who could legitimately and fairly assess if abuse is
occurring is a qualified, humane raptor specialist. There are some in the
Bay Area. I would have them contact Wild Care in San Rafael to see if they
can refer you to someone.
Obviously I disagree with keeping any bird in captivity. That in itself is
abuse in my opinion. However, birds *are* in captivity and we must be
practical. I recommend that activists not jump to conclusions or make rash
judgments too soon until an expert can evaluate the situation. They need to
consult with an expert falconer or raptor specialist to assess the
situation and conclude if the birds are being cared for properly or if
abuse occurring.
Please let me know if you need anymore information. I am happy to answer
them.
Warmly,
Linda Fisher
707.765.1481
------ End of Forwarded Message
--
Elizabeth
*MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue - Join us at
https://www.facebook.com/MickaCooRescue*
Until they all have homes, don't buy, don't breed- adopt.
www.RescueReport.org
www.MickaCoo.org
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGjyooh3Yo0
