A moral dilemma - is there a way out? (Severely neglected Cockatiel))

I recently helped with bird evacuations due to flooding. I received a phone call from an elderly lady who I had helped during a previous evacuation and went to get her bird. When I returned the bird to her 2 years ago I was dismayed at seeing the filth and poor living conditions of this cockatiel. I was unaware how the bird had been living because it was brought to me during that first evacuation. When I returned the bird the woman said she had no food, so I took her to the store to get the poor fid something to eat.

When I went to pick up the bird THIS time, the only change in the conditions was that now there were 3 inches of poop at the bottom of the cage instead of just 1. There was only about 1/4" of yellowish green water in the water dish. I was so upset I didn't even check whether there was food in the cage.

The cage sits half-way behind a large flat screen TV and 2 walls, made immovable by a foot of trash and old furniture and a 1 foot "walking space" between that trash and the sofa where the lady sits. The cage is positioned with the door and the cage drawer against a walll. The water and food dishes are behind the TV. The cage can not be moved forward because of the trash in front of it. There is no day light. I don't know how I got the bird out of the cage, but I did......and fled.

The woman herself needs help, she is unable to remember her bird's name, she doesn't drive.... I met her daughter, but unfortunately there is no help coming from that side either. The best she could do was evacuate her mother and her dogs. I called animal protection services twice and left a message, but nobody called me back. The daughter called 3 times yesterday (I didn't answer the phone) her mom wants her bird back.

Here is the dilemma now: I have no intention of keeping the bird, nor do I want to keep an old lady from having her pet back, but at the same time I am absolutely not returning this bird to this kind of living (dying) conditions.

What would you do in this case?

Ack! Would someone please take that extra "L" away from my dilemma? I hate typos

Done.

Don't take the bird back. Maybe explain that due to the conditions there would need to be a home visit from animal protection services, and you're happy to set that up, but if a government official sees the conditions inside the home they will condemn it and forcibly remove the old lady from her home. They will be legally obligated to call the health department and the health department will not bargain with anybody. Then there will be a legal notice, and the home insurer will likely cancel any policy. So it's a big can of worms, and you don't want to be the one to bring it on, can the daughter find a way to convince mom to let the bird go under the circumstance?

Kentuckienne said:

Don't take the bird back. Maybe explain that due to the conditions there would need to be a home visit from animal protection services, and you're happy to set that up, but if a government official sees the conditions inside the home they will condemn it and forcibly remove the old lady from her home. They will be legally obligated to call the health department and the health department will not bargain with anybody. Then there will be a legal notice, and the home insurer will likely cancel any policy. So it's a big can of worms, and you don't want to be the one to bring it on, can the daughter find a way to convince mom to let the bird go under the circumstance?

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Thank you so much for answering! I believe the daughter, as well as the son - who lives just 1 block away - are allowing the old lady to live in conditions no better than those of the bird.... I know it's all a big can of worms, but if someone doesn't speak out for animals and neglected elderly who will? I even thought of offering the old lady to come and help clean out the trash so she can at least move around in her living room, but I doubt she would take me up on that offer.

She blamed the "mess" on her mother's recent passing, she was 98 and living in the same house - I wonder how they even found her and how they got her out. I could think of not so funny things to say but it's just such a sad situation that it would be cruel. It was beyond bad 2 years ago, it can't be any worse than worse.

I know that if I bring on everything you stated above I would have an entire family upset with me, and these are not people I would feel comfortable "tangling" with. The old lady really is a lady, her offspring however seems to have grown on another tree.

Do you or the old woman belong to a church? Might a pastor be willing to help, and she might take suggestions from clergy over a "stranger" like yourself ... It sounds unsafe for both the bird and her, frankly.

I'm familiar with dealing with family members who hoard. It's not something the kids have any control over. The hoarder won't let go of things because they are worth something - someone might want to read those old magazines, they paid good money for that vase, they are going to give those clothes to the salvation army one day. It can be extremely frustrating for the family. No matter how many offers to help declutter or clean, there is always some reason why it can't happen right now, or the hoarder just needs more time...it's not possible to force a hoarder to change. I've watched a TV show about hoarding, and the worst case I saw was a woman reduced to living in a recliner in the middle of the room, surrounded by trash, used adult diapers, so that she had to crawl over the crap to get to her chair. They got it all cleaned out. When they went back a year later to check, she had begun accumulating crap again. It's a mental problem for some people.

The comments about adult protective services, and the health department, are real. Any civic official who sees conditions like that in a home is required by law to report and investigate. You aren't the bad guy in that case. I hoped that providing the explanation of why you can't bring the bird back JUST YET until the family can get in and clean up, as a way of protecting them from The Man, might mollify the kids. But it is cruel to send the bird back there to starve and thirst. It's a dilemma ... good luck.

So sorry you are going through this situation. That poor cockatiel!! Honestly in a situation like this, I would only answer their calls to tell them they will not be getting that bird back. This bird could have easily died under these horrible conditions, and bringing it back would just be a death sentence. I'm assuming these people do not know where you live? If they don't that's actually a good thing... they have no way of finding you and getting that bird back.

Some options... There is STAR (St. Louis Avian Rescue) that could take the cockatiel to. It would be able to live a safer, better, cleaner life. They're one of my favorite bird rescues in the Midwest. Even if they were to find the cockatiel there, they usually do home inspections to make sure living conditions are clean.

This is a sad and all too common story. What would I do? Everything in my power to help find a great home for the cockatiel and I would make sure the bird never returns to the situation you rescued the little victim from. I feel terrible for the lady and agree it's heart wrenching to take one thing more from a woman left with so little but remember, the woman has no resources to care for a living being and no help. Her reasons for wanting the bird back have nothing to do with reality. The bird has no voice, no control, no benefactor until you. It's never easy to be a hero. Thank you for all you do for pets and people.

If only you have the little tiel temporarily until a more permanent foster/rescue situation can be found. Hoping for better news soon!

I agree with the diverse strategies posted. Sometimes it takes an outsider to objectively assess the need to break the status quo. If and when the state/local authorities investigate, you can be sure the plight of the hapless cockatiel will be dead last. You did right by the bird, now the klieg lights of reality and reason must help the terribly neglected elderly lady. A very sad situation in every aspect, and I applaud your willingness to assist.

Giggleagain, I'll be in Springfield next week if you need to have the little darling transported somewhere,...

Pet of the Day: your idea is a good one, and I will use that avenue when all else fails. Involving her pastor, if she has one, might be a great solution to solving not just the bird's problem but the old lady's problem too. Maybe some church volunteers would help clean up.....

ItzJbean: I know Star Avian and probably many of it's members. I also know Gateway Parrot Club and I'm a member. I'm sure I wouldn't have any problems finding a home for this bird, but before I categorically refuse to return it I have to try to make living conditions for both bird and owner a lot more humane. At this point I wouldn't put anything living in that house. Who am I though... what right do I have to interfere in someone's life?

Unfortunately they have my phone number. So far they have contacted the bird store where I shop, and also the city hall. I know because I see the city has called me. Maybe that's where I need to start. I don't want anyone to think I stole her bird! Maybe City Hall can put me in touch with adult protective services.

Kentuckienne: I've watched those hoarding shows as well and was speechless. Your description of an ex-neighbor's living conditions is right on spot. Although her "warehouse" was clean, there wasn't more than a foot of space in the hallways and when she passed away they couldn't even roll out the gourney. They had to take off the wheels, strap her in, and move her out sideways I helped her daughter auction off the contents of the house. We found thousands of dollars between coats and their linings, taped between drawers and desks, under wall to wall carpeting.... I guess she was saving it all for the next war. She had every piece of clothing she ever owned, even dresses she wore when she was 15 years old and a size 4

Allee: thanks for fixing my typo I agree that taking her bird away would be heart wrenching and I will do everything possible to return it to her as long as I can be sure conditions don't deteriorate again. I drive by her house every day on my way home from work, so it would be easy to stop once a week. But... she doesn't have to let me in.... I don't feel like a hero at all, I'm starting to feel guilty because I'm sticking my nose into her life.

I will keep you all updated on how this develops, and Allee one of these days I'll update the info on my fids. They've all come a long way (and so have I). Stand by me folks, I'm calling City hall right now.

Kentuckienne said:

Giggleagain, I'll be in Springfield next week if you need to have the little darling transported somewhere,...

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Thank you I need to get infected with your guts

City Hall is great, and since they called YOU it lets you off the tattletale hook. You can just tell the truth. I wager once they hear about possible dementia, hoarding, neglect - of the human, not just the bird - getting the birdie back home will drop down the priority list. Does the little darling look healthy?

You did a very impulsive and courageous thing in rescuing the bird if conditions were as you described. It sounds like the woman is complaining to her family who doesn't want to hear it, so they figure just take the stupid bird back, it's just a bird, who cares? There are so few protections for animals. Don't do anything to put your personal safety at risk. It's good to help the helpless, but not if it means you getting assaulted for it.

Here's the update I owe you on my dilemma: I called city hall last week and spoke to the city clerk, asked for advice on what to do. I left him my name and number and he promised to talk to people and to call me back the next day. He didn't, I gave him another day and called back. He wasn't there. Yesterday I received a call from the police department, they want to talk to me about a stolen bird lol. I went by the police dept. today and talked to a very nice officer, explained the situation, was told that they are aware of "issues" with that residence and that they would send the fire department to do an inspection of the house. The officer agreed with us all.... the lady doesn't need a bird if she can't take care of it. HOWEVER I insisted that if she can show me that the cage is accessible, clean, and that the food dishes can be cleaned and filled (by her), I will gladly return the bird to her. Otherwise I will turn it in to animal control, the parrot rescue, or some other animal welfare organization. I stated I would gladly go and clean the cage once a week if that's what is needed in order to have her companion back. The officer thanked me for caring enough to come by the police station. I hate meddling in other people's business.... but this situation just forced me to. I promise I will update again as soon as whatever else happens, happens.

Sounds as perfect as could be hoped for. Once the fire department inspects the rest will be moot, and it's their fault for complaining about the stolen bird. Modern day Robin Hood! Parrot Hood?

That sounds like as good as it can be for now. Bless you for caring, I am sure the bird appreciates it!

Thanks so much for your perseverance! Hopefully the outcome will be a win or relief for all.

Thank you for your efforts/actions!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You're a hero!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good going! We all have the ability to make the changes in the world for the better but few rarely do.

You aren't meddling, you are helping, even if your efforts don't end up making the exact changes you'd like to see you did your best and that is all we can do.

Hoarding IS a mental illness, i have a friend who hoards. I help her when her build-up gets flat out dangerous but that's all i can do.

Glad the police agreed with you, that can be a very tricky, and often times nasty, business