Danie M. Huffman
wdreporter2@yahoo.com
Nearly 100 birds and possibly more were confiscated Wednesday afternoon from a residence on West 7th Street.
Officials said the homeowner, known on the Internet as “The Bird Guy,” was “accumulating” finches, parrots, parakeets, African grays, cockatiels, cockatoos, doves, Macaw and Amazons.
Dianne Daniel, Weatherford-Parker County Animal Shelter director, said animal control officers had been watching John Christopher Dennett’s activities on Craig’s List, where he had been placing ads for more birds.
Daniel said officers were at Dennett’s home a few years ago, where he had a number of birds, but has acquired more since then.
“We knew we couldn’t let him get more,” Daniel said, adding some species were “very expensive.”
The animal shelter had to make room to house the birds and seized cages from two homes Dennett had on West 7th Street.
Authorities said Dennett will make a court appearance, where a judge will decide what is to happen with the birds.
It took about a dozen city and county officers from Weatherford Police, the Parker County Sheriff’s Office, code compliance officers, animal control officers and Weatherford Fire department nearly two hours to seize the birds and load them into two trailers and two pickup trucks.
Daniel said each of the cages would be steam cleaned and the birds will be cared for. She added Dennett will be cited for animal neglect. Another officer stated he would also be cited for unsanitary conditions.
Officials said Dennett’s housing conditions could be described as “unlivable and filthy.”
Daniel said some of the birds were kept in cages, while others were allowed to roam in every room of the house where feces was found including in the bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchen.
Some officers had to use masks when entering the home.
Daniel said after serving the warrant, it was the largest bird seizure she has ever seen.
Weatherford Police officials said Dennett will be issued at least five citations for unlawful accumulation, failure to display house numbers and high grass and weeds in addition to the animal neglect charges.
Weatherford Police Lt. Chris Crawford said after visiting Dennett’s homes Wednesday, two cases against him for junk cars and possible substandard structures would be initiated.
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January 15, 2009
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