Bird owner pleads guilty to cruelty, neglect

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - The director of a local bird sanctuary pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges of cruelty and neglect. As part of the agreement, Deborah Shell agreed to hand over ownership of more than 100 birds. 

Shell was charged after an investigation of Wings Over the Rainbow in Moraine by the Humane Society and the Moraine Police Department.

More than 130 exotic birds were confiscated in the May 10, 2012 raid. 

“Our number one priority throughout this entire case has been the health and welfare of the birds that were seized while living under deplorable conditions,” said Brian Weltge, president and CEO of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton.

As part of the pre-trial diversion agreement, Shell will be allowed to have eight of the birds back and will be subject to random, unannounced inspections to make sure that the birds are being cared for in a humane and sanitary manner.

The Humane Society became concerned about the facility after receiving numerous complaints about the condition of the birds housed there.