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MAARS News & Events

MAARS' McCarthy Talks Parrots in the Big Apple

by Denise Kelly, President, Avian Welfare Coalition (AWC), and Krista Menzel, AWC Director and MAARS Communications Coordinator

January 5, 2007, marks the 5th Annual National Bird Day — a day dedicated to raising awareness of the plight of exotic birds.

Early in January, Eileen McCarthy, Co-Founder of the Avian Welfare Coalition (AWC) and CEO of Midwest Avian Adoption & Rescue Services (MAARS), will participate with the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, AWC, ASPCA, and Animal Care & Control of NYC in a series of panel presentations and workshops in celebration of National Bird Day in New York City. The focus of these events is to help raise awareness of captive exotic bird issues and to help shelter and animal care organizations gain the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the special care needs of exotic birds surrendered to their facilities.

The Survival of Parrots: From Conservation to Animal Control

When: Thursday, January 4, 2007, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: ASPCA Board Room, 424 East 92nd Street, Manhattan, New York City

On the evening of Thursday, January 4, 2007, the Avian Welfare Coalition (AWC) will co-sponsor a special presentation — The Survival of Parrots: From Conservation to Animal Control — with the ASPCA and the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals

The presentation and panel discussion will explore the many complex and challenging aspects of parrot welfare, including parrot species preservation in the wild, regulation of the wild and captive parrot trade, the effectiveness of existing animal protection laws, and the role of animal advocacy and care organizations in addressing the needs of displaced captive parrots.

The AWC will be joined by an esteemed panel of leaders in animal welfare, law enforcement, advocacy, and sheltering in the New York City area for what will be an informative and provocative discussion that will focus on the crucial welfare and protection issues that exotic birds face both in the wild and in captivity.

The event is free, but a small donation at the door to help defray the costs will be greatly appreciated. Space is limited. Please RSVP to info@avianwelfare.org to reserve your space.

Note: Birds and other non-human animals will not be permitted at this event.

The Basics of Caring for Exotic Birds in the Shelter

When: Tuesday, January 9, and Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Where: Animal Care & Control (AC&C) shelter locations, New York City

On January 9 & 10, 2007, Eileen McCarthy, Co-Founder of the Avian Welfare Coalition (AWC) and CEO of Midwest Avian Adoption & Rescue Services (MAARS), will conduct a workshop, The Basics of Caring for Exotic Birds in the Shelter, for shelter staff and volunteers at Animal Care & Control (AC&C) shelter locations.

Captive parrots have become one of the fastest growing groups of unwanted pets in the U.S. Unfortunately, there are far fewer options for exotic birds that become displaced. Fewer than 100 self-described avian rescue facilities exist in the U.S., and those are filled to capacity. Most traditional humane societies and shelters cannot meet the special needs of exotic birds. The unique status of parrots as wildlife — not domesticated animals — presents special challenges for traditional shelters that already are filled with homeless cats and dogs.

Addressing the care and placement needs of captive parrots and other birds requires a more proactive approach, one that engages both the avian welfare community and animal welfare, advocacy, and shelter organizations in working towards effective solutions.

The AWC recently launched a Shelter Outreach Program, an initiative designed specifically for shelter and animal control organizations to help them gain the knowledge and skills to provide adequate services to captive birds. The initiative includes direct training and an important publication, Captive Exotic Bird Care: A Guide for Shelters, which is made available to shelters and rescue groups. The program has been successful, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the API and the ASPCA.

AC&C, in collaboration with the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals and the AWC, has announced plans to expand its facilities and resources to help captive birds in need. Through its New Hope Program, AC&C seeks to collaborate with qualifying avian organizations and placement partners that can assist with foster care and arrange for suitable placement and/or permanent sanctuary for exotic birds.

The AWC's hands-on workshops to be conducted at AC&C shelters are intended to educate personnel and volunteers on the basics of caring for exotic birds, and cover a wide range of topics:

The workshops are open to AC&C animal care staff and volunteers and invited guests. To register for the training or to request more information, please e-mail info@avianwelfare.org.

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