Humane Society raid rescues 100 parrots

MORAINE, Ohio (WDTN) - The Humane Society and the Moraine Police Department seized more than 100 parrots from a Moraine business Thursday morning.

The raid was conducted at Wings Over the Rainbow on Springboro Pike.

"The birds were clearly suffering and I am relieved that we were able to come to their aid,” said Brian Weltge of The Humane Society of Greater Dayton.

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

When officials arrived, they found approximately 100 parrots, amazons, cockatoos, macaws, cockatiels and Quaker parrots living in filthy, cramped conditions. Many were suffering from, malnutrition, dehydration, mental distress and zoonotic diseases.

“Whether or not Wings Over the Rainbow started out with good intentions, we can't turn our backs on animals in need," said Adam Parascandola, director of animal cruelty investigations for The Humane Society of the United States. "Parrots are highly intelligent, social and long-lived animals, and they deserve to be protected from cruelty.”

The Central Virginia Parrot Sanctuary for Unique Rescue Operation assisted in the operation.

Responders from Miami Valley Bird Club, Moraine Fire and Rescue, Montgomery County Mental Health Crisis Counseling, Montgomery County Health Department, Montgomery County Environmental, Moraine Zoning and local veterinarians are also assisting with the transportation and temporary caretaking of the birds.