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