Montreal SPCA seizes more than 550 exotic birds

MONTREAL – More than 550 exotic birds from a pet store and breeding facility have been seized, the Montreal SPCA said Tuesday.

The organization said in a statement it decided to remove them under the Criminal Code as they were lacking critical care.

The birds were being kept for sale, many of them having been caught in the wild in other countries and subsequently imported into Canada.

Several of the birds seized last Thursday were already dead, while the others are receiving veterinary care.

“Cases such as this one demonstrate that birds and many other species of exotic animals that are regularly bought and sold in this province…require basic protection under our provincial animal welfare legislation,” said Alanna Devine, director of animal advocacy at the Montreal SPCA.

“We will therefore be continuing our efforts to ensure that all animals, including exotic animals and wildlife in captivity, are adequately protected in Quebec.”