Abandoned parrots in Schlatt: animal welfare activists and police investigate

The Tierschutz Initiative Innviertel had pointed to the animal shelter on social media, emphasizing that the nest box had been attached without the owner's consent. „Der Nistkasten wurde offenbar eigens dafür frisch an einem Baum im Wald angeschraubt – ohne Wissen des Grundstücksbesitzers", the initiative wrote. A clear case of property damage had been documented as a result, it added.

Police confirm investigation

Police confirmed they are investigating the incident. Officers initially provided no more precise details on the number, species and condition of the animals. The question of whether the parrots could still be recovered alive also initially remained open. The investigation is ongoing, a police spokeswoman said.

BirdLife Austria is also dealing with the case. The nature conservation association pointed out that parrots have virtually no chance of survival at Austria's latitudes. The animals are neither adapted to the climate nor to local food sources and depend on human help in winter – or they will die.

BirdLife Austria warns of poor survival chances

Animal welfare activists assume the animals had previously been kept in private hands. Who placed the parrots in the nest box is so far unknown. Police are examining possible violations of the Animal Protection Act and criminal law relating to property damage, as the nest box was mounted on someone else's tree without permission.

The incident is not an isolated one: in several Austrian districts, abandoned or escaped exotic birds have been reported for years, including ring-necked parakeets and other parrot species. Authorities and nature conservation associations advise against simply releasing such animals and instead recommend handing them over to animal shelters, rescue stations or specialized organizations.

Background: abandoned exotic animals in Austria

Similar cases have recently become known from the district of Wels-Land and neighbouring regions. The Tierschutz Initiative Innviertel called on pet owners to inform themselves thoroughly before acquiring exotic animals and, in an emergency, to use reputable surrender facilities rather than leaving the animals behind in the forest.

The Tierschutz Initiative Innviertel announced that it would continue to care for the affected parrots and pass on tips from the public to the police. BirdLife Austria also offered support in recovering and accommodating the animals.

Information from the public requested

Police are asking witnesses who have made observations in the area of the affected stretch of forest in Schlatt to contact their nearest station. Tips could help clarify the background to the abandonment and the origin of the parrots.

With an eye to the coming winter, animal welfare activists are warning against a repeat of such incidents. Anyone who can no longer keep an exotic animal should contact an animal shelter, a veterinarian or an organization specializing in parrots, rather than abandoning the animal outdoors.

A corresponding TV Live-Stream OE24 reported on the case. The topic thus attracted media attention beyond Upper Austria.