ANN ARBOR (WWJ) – Operators of the Humane Society of Huron Valley in Ann Arbor are asking for tips after someone left 19 birds and a cat outside their shelter in freezing temperatures.
The 17 parakeets and two cockatiels were all crammed into one metal cage, while the frightened cat was left in a crate outside late last week, HSHV officials said in a press release Saturday.
The humane society is reviewing video footage of the animals being left outside. Investigators believe the person who brought the cat is someone different than the person who dropped off the birds.
All the animals are said do be doing fine.
“We understand why this happens...it's heart-wrenching to surrender a pet, and many people also fear being judged,” a post on the HSHV Facebook page said. “But we beg that you not leave animals on our doorstep; our intake staff do not judge.”
Officials say dropping off animals in person is important because intake staff need to know the animals’ history, medical needs, personalities and favorite treats – “not to mention that we don't want any animal out in the cold!”
“We also provide services for people struggling to care for their animals, which we cannot offer if we don't know who you are,” officials said on Facebook. “Please join us in showing support and love for those who are forced to surrender their animals, so that nobody in our community feels shamed into leaving them [at] our doorstep.”
If the original owners cannot be located, Wendy Welch with the HSHV says the birds and cat will be put up for adoption.
“We happen to be a ‘no kill’ facility at the Humane Society of Huron Valley in Ann Arbor, so no, euthanization is not on the table for these healthy animals,” Welch said.
“We want to remind folks that we understand hard times, and we are here if you need help,” says Tanya Hilgendorf, HSHV’s CEO. “But leaving animals in a cage or crate outside all night is neither safe nor humane. Companion parrots do not tolerate cold weather well. It was just luck that our hardworking facilities person came to work in the wee hours and noticed the birds while doing other work. The poor frightened and shivering kitty had a note, but it didn’t contain useful information.”
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