The Humane Society of Huron Valley, based near Ann Arbor, is currently taking care of 30 abandoned birds, including 26 parakeets and four cockatiels, after they were found early Monday morning. As per The Detroit News, these birds were found in a cardboard cat carrier and an entirely separate cage, left outside the shelter's adoptions entrance.
The shelter's CEO, Tanya Hilgendorf, is addressing the situation, reiterating that abandoning animals is not a viable solution. "We understand that sometimes people feel they have no other option, but abandoning animals is never the right answer," she said in a press release, which was quoted by several local news outlets including Detroit Free Press. Hilgendorf has urged anyone struggling with pet care to contact the shelter.
These birds account for some of the 51 birds that have found their way to the Humane Society this past week, marking a record number for the shelter. According to the staff at Humane Society, which MLive reported, the influx has put an appreciable strain on their resources. However, the dedicated team is providing the necessary medical attention and nutrition to the newfound avian residents.
The shelter, which has already experienced a similar event in April 2023, has been dealing with overcapacity issues in recent times, underscoring a larger trend seen across Michigan as state police report a rise in animal cruelty incidents. "These birds were left in a vulnerable position, but we’re grateful the community supports us in supporting them—providing the resources by volunteering, adopting and donating, to ensure we can care for them," Hilgendorf told Detroit Free Press.
As this situation unfolds, the Humane Society has requested the public's assistance in identifying the individual responsible for abandoning these birds. Anyone with information can contact the shelter's Cruelty and Rescue department at (734) 662-3512. Meanwhile, those interested in bird adoption or donation can reach out to the Humane Society of Huron Valley at 734-662-5585 or through their website.
