Resolution could be near for exotic birds
Officials receive petition asking for birds’ removal from unoccupied house
By Melody Vallieu, City Editor
8/18/2011
Miami County Prosecutor Gary Nasal said Wednesday he hopes a solution to the exotic bird case in Union Township will be resolved in the coming days.
The Miami County Humane Society – since the beginning of August – has been investigating a case where several dozen exotic birds were found dead and living in unsatisfactory conditions in an unoccupied house on State Route 55. Eight birds were found dead in the house, according to Sharon Karns, humane agent, and 10 other birds a veterinarian said needed medical care were taken to Dayton South Veterinary Clinic in Kettering, where they remain.
“I have been consulting with all interested parties, however, any criminal enforcement with respect to a charge of cruelty to animals would be within the purview of the Miami County Municipal Court prosecutor,” Nasal said. “That being said, I am hopeful that within the next 48 hours, there will be a permanent solution to the matter that will satisfy all sides.”
Nasal said he could not comment further on the issue.
In the meantime, Nasal was one of several people Wednesday to receive a copy of a petition – signed online by 1,503 people from around the world – asking for the birds to be removed from Doug Ratcliff’s property in Union Township.
Copies of the petition were brought to Ohio by Claire Waggoner of Polleville, Md., and a Buddhist nun – Tenzin Wangmo – visiting Maryland from Australia. The two began their day Wednesday by delivering the first copy to the governor’s office. Waggoner said while they were unable to speak with Gov. John Kasich himself, staff members in his office were extremely helpful and gave the two direction in how to proceed with their protests.
“We are going to stay with this. We told the governor’s office we are going to keep on this,” said Waggoner, who works with the Garuda Aviary, a lifelong sanctuary for abused and neglected parrots in Maryland. “I told them there will be more emails, more Twitter activity, more online communication. We’re just not going to let this go away.”
The two then headed to Troy where they dropped a petition off to Troy Mayor Michael Beamish and Nasal, who both were unavailable to meet with her.
Waggoner said while she knows the bird case is outside of Beamishes’ jurisdiction, they are now known worldwide as the “Troy Parrots,” and hopes that as an official with a voice, he will stand up for the birds’ future by calling for them to be removed from the property.
Beamish said while he understands – and shares – their concern for the birds, he believes Troy is being unjustly pinpointed.
“I share all the concerns about the care and treatment of our avian friends, and all other people and animals for that matter. However, I think it’s unfair that the center of attention has focused on Troy, when it’s about a resident in Union Township.
“It certainly doesn’t mean we don’t care, it just means that we are limited by what we can and cannot do. Troy is not even in the same township as the resident in question.”
The Miami County Humane Society, under the Ohio Revised Code, have certain law enforcement abilities and responsibilities for animals other than cats and dogs, according to Nasal. Misdemeanor offenses are handled through municipal court and felony offenses are handled through his office.
Beamish said he believes the bird situation will be resolved properly by those charged with their future.
“It’s under the jurisdiction of the right places to make the right decisions on behalf of all,” Beamish said.
Waggoner disagrees.
She said photographs – showing dead birds and the conditions the living birds were found in – show the exotic birds have suffered long-term abuse. She said from what she understands, the 16 birds remaining on the property have been moved to a pole barn with no running water, fans and only a small window for light and further ventilation.
“What I saw in the photographs and what I know from working with parrots for 13 years, this is clearly cruelty,” Waggoner said. “The goal is to get them out of there.”
She also said if the birds had been seized immediately by the Miami County Humane Society agent, there would have been proper documentation and no further need for an investigation into whether birds were removed from the proper inappropriately.
Waggoner also pointed to a report where Karn said she would be monitoring the birds for an indefinite period to make sure Ratcliff doesn’t “relapse into old habits.”
“This isn’t a bad habit,” she said “A bad habit is chewing your fingernails.”
Posted: Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Article comment by: Paula Nowak
Do you think we are going to forget? Do you think this can be swept under the rug? Really? Where is the “resolution”? Has it happened and someone forgot to report it? I think not. It is very sad the elected officials of the township and Troy can’t stop wringing their hands long enough to step up to the plate and ACT. We will not let you forget! SAVE THE PARROTS.
Posted: Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Article comment by: Debbie Goodrich
What is the resolution that Mr. Nasal promised? There has been no coverage of the resolution by this prosecutor. Is he still prosecuting the rescue for being the only ones to help the birds? Who in their right mind would steal sick birds and leave them at a vet’s office to be cared for? Much less who would have left behind a good looking GW pair if they were going to “steal” birds as was accused. There was no intention of stealing them, that’s why.
The birds cannot be separated. Not for a long while after going through something like this. If you are going to do something, you better make it a public announcement at some point, because I am holding you up to your promise of a resolution that finally benefit the only victims here, the birds.
Posted: Saturday, August 27, 2011
Article comment by: Christy Bellville
Wll, has this been swept under the rug? All in the name of a hoarder that is starving parrots and won’t release them to be cared for? Guess so. How many have died since the idiot humane officer placed them in another terrible place? Unbelievable.
Posted: Thursday, August 25, 2011
Article comment by: Dawn Garner
“It certainly doesn’t mean we don’t care, it just means that we are limited by what we can and cannot do. Troy is not even in the same township as the resident in question.” – I call BS on this. Mr. Mayor, you can help if you really wanted to. You are just choosing not to, and are using this as your excuse. Please help.
Posted: Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Article comment by: Judith Archer
I do feel badly that Troy is the town getting the bad name when this is literally beyond its jurisdiction, but I also think Prosecutor Nasal is being disingenuous in his answers about the proper authorities looking into it..as in..who?..and a resolution that will make everyone happy is just around the next corner. I have this sick feeling that the “resolution” will be that no criminal charges will be filed against those who tried to save these birds, including Dr Brauer, in exchange for the surviving birds being returned ot their abuser with no charges against him, either. Which would I’m sure make Mr Ratcliff happy, and perhaps his new BFF Officer Karns, but no one else could possibly see this as anything other than a dark stain on any notion of the justice system protecting the innocent and censoring the guilty.Posted: Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Article comment by: Paula Nowak
And we wait, and wait, and wait. In the meantime, the parrots suffer in a pole barn, untreated, while the red tape and idiocy continues. Thank you Melody and Claire for keeping this in the forefront. Radcliff needs to sell off his properties, give all the money to heal and rehome these precious birds, and then spend the rest of his life locked in a 2 X 2 foot room so he can be treated as he treated this “$50,000″ investment. Harsh – you better believe it. Treat others as you wish to be treated yourself stands for all living things. Do the right thing and quit stammering around. Radcliff and Karns need to be put where they belong. Did you really look at the grisly horrific pictures or choose to ignore. What other proof do you need? Melody & Claire, do no let down your resolve. Please keep publishing the updates on this sad situation. We appreciate your dedication to this cause.
Posted: Monday, August 22, 2011
Article comment by: Dana Schroeder
I was in Troy this weekend with the protesters at the Ohio County Humane Society. The sheriff was very nice to us and we thank him for looking out for our safety.
So, ok, we are safe, but where’s the resolution for these parrots?
Posted: Sunday, August 21, 2011
Article comment by: Beth Opperman
There is no way to satisfy all sides. One side wants all the birds gone, the other wants all the birds returned. There is no pleasing all sides. There was a crime, it deserves a punishment. Sometimes the right thing involves making someone angry.
Posted: Sunday, August 21, 2011
Article comment by: Linda Ott
The time which Nasal stated would present satisfaction to all involved has come and gone. The dead birds will never experience satisfaction. The ones remaining seem no closer to satisfaction, no closer to an opportunity to obtain the medical care needed, no closer to proper husbandry or living without suffering.
How close are the officials involved to being re elected?
Posted: Friday, August 19, 2011
Article comment by: Kathy Pierce
I keep waiting to hear that birds have been removed to a safe place, where they can be properly cared for. Here in my sate of NH, those birds would of already been saved… I pray they make it.. God Bless to all that are doing there best to save them.
Posted: Friday, August 19, 2011
Article comment by: Carol Klamerus
This should have been resolved weeks ago by abuse charges filed & removal of all birds. Ratcliff obviously does not care about these birds except thinking they are a gold mine (yeh, right). And Karns, has ‘power’ gone to her head? Who knows what she is thinking but she also cares more for him than the birds, a Humane Society officer? She is not being humane to these birds! Thank you for your continuing coverage of this story.
Posted: Thursday, August 18, 2011
Article comment by: Debbie Goodrich
Thank you for continuing coverage about this situation. I completely agree with Waggoner on every point. Especially the fact that this is not a bad habit, it’s neglect and even so far as abuse. I’m glad WE ARE FINALLY getting statements from the prosecutors office. I like how officer Starns continues to reduce the number of dead bodies. Has she gone into the walls of the home in the “cleanup effort” to check for the 19 unaccounted for birds?
I also wanted to remark about what Waggoner said about not seizing to begin with but add to it. That if the officer was also acting in the best interest not only of the birds but of their owner, she would have seized them. Because now the owner has had harassment because of the fact this entire case has NOT BEEN HANDLED properly and continues in its travesty. So, even if we are only to look at the perspective of Mr. Ratcliff, even he has suffered undo justice by the very person who appears to be acting “on his behalf”. That’s what makes this case even worse for all.
No matter what, currently the only true loser are the birds who continue to be abused until they are completely surrendered, preferrably voluntarily, to the AVIAN VET working with the 10 birds already trying to save their lives. I don’t know and doubt if they are even given to loving homes if they will be okay…I think the birds should be given as a flock to the Miami Valley Bird Rescue who is willing and capable to care for their special needs they will probably have until they die, which is coming sooner for them than later.
What are we doing about the condition of the inside of the home? No one should set foot in there ever again. The house should be red tagged condemned and even torn down due to the nature of the interior, structural integrity issues and the over-running of the vines allowing a infestation of rodents. This home is a public health hazard and should be torn down.
Posted: Thursday, August 18, 2011
Article comment by: Lori Nelsen
Quit dragging your feet, Nasal, while the rest of these parrots die in another unfit property of Radcliffs.
Posted: Thursday, August 18, 2011
Article comment by: Kristina Lee
There is clearly animal neglect and abuse. The grisly photos of dead parrots show that. And hoarding isn’t a “habit” that one breaks.
It involves serious psychological intervention and intervention for the welfare of the animals. The birds will continue to suffer until they are placed with rescues/sanctuaries for rehabilitation. With people that know and understand parrots.
Thank goodness pictures were taken and kept or there would be no record of the numerous dead birds. I don’t know whether Karn’s actions in this are a result of ignorance in the needs of parrots or apathy.
The only solution that is acceptable is the removal of all parrots from Ratcliffe’s possession.
Posted: Thursday, August 18, 2011
Article comment by: Paula Rossow
Thank you, Ms. Vallieu, for this article! Keeping the focus on the parrots’ plight is appreciated, as are the extensive quotes from Ms. Waggoner.
Posted: Thursday, August 18, 2011
Article comment by: Eve gordon
16 birds, 16 foster homes… probably have had hundreds of offers from knowledgable bird owners to take in one of these sick and abused birds… Sixteen to twenty five quick house calls to check out the best homes to place them in. Some easy guidelines 1. a decade of experience with birds [preferably the same species they will foster] 2. a phone call to their vet to confirm… 3. a contract to have medical care immediately for the birds…STOP with the 1/2 assed BS already… get these birds to people who will care for them… I could do it in a day myself… it may take the authorities 2-3.. tops !
Posted: Thursday, August 18, 2011
Article comment by: Jennifer Williams
There really should be laws and regulations established in every state, county and town about the housing and sale of exotic animals. And if they are worth $50,000.00 like he claims why would he treat them like they are worth less than that? Something is seriously wrong here.
Posted: Thursday, August 18, 2011
Article comment by: Mary Essary
Satisfy ALL parties?? I cant see that happening. But we will see. Not waiting tho.. keeping the pressure on! It’s PAST time, should have happened weeks ago! And as far as the name “troy parrots” It is his legal address. What should we call them? The idiots abused parrots and the people who allow it? That would be an appropriate name….
Posted: Thursday, August 18, 2011
Article comment by: Janet Cadigan
Thank you for your continued coverage of this situation. It is the continued coverage of such situations that can bring about a resolution that otherwise would get shoved under the rug.
Sincerely
Janet Cadigan
Posted: Thursday, August 18, 2011
Article comment by: Pegg Bauer
This has CLEARLY been a case of GROSS abuse by not only the owner, but by all the public officials who have chosen not to do their jobs. Only Dr Brauer and the Miami Valley Bird Rescue have reconized and responded to the plight of these abused birds. And now THEY are under criminal investigation?? You’re kidding! Your public officials AND your local Humane Society have chosen to completely disregard the jobs they are charged to perform. The City of Troy, the County of Miami, and the State of Ohio are now legendary for their complicity in the neglect and cruelty of these intelligent creatures. For shame.
Posted: Thursday, August 18, 2011
Article comment by: Judith Archer
I believe it is two weeks past the time that Humane Officer Karns shoudl haev removed the surviving birds so they could receive the veterinary care and testing they need, while their owner was charged with abuse and neglect for his failure to provide adequate food and water to these birds, and ignored so many dying. Ms Karns was quoted as saying she didn’t observe acutal abuse, but the Ohio Statutes do not require that she observe an owner hitting an animal: failure to provide sufficient food and water is enough to bring charges, and remove survivors until the court decides if the owner must surrender them because of his criminal acts. No one other than Ms Karns (and perhpas Mr, Karns, head of the Miami County Humane Society), can begin to understand how any “humane officer” could walk away from this situation, ignore the warnings fomr a well-qualified avian vet, and think her job was to help the owner KEEP his surviving birds, rather than protect the birds, as her job surely must mandate. This one woman is bringing world-wide scorn to Troy, Ohio, and f her standards for aniamls are as low as Mr Ratcliff’s, as seems to be the case, it’s time for her to move on and someoen who puts the animals’ welfare first to take over. This owner had his chance to care for his birds, and the fact that so few are still alive, and most of them under vet care, should prove that he has lost the right to continue to abuse and neglect them.
Time to do the right thing and let the remaining birds have a chance at a happy and healthy life, and tha tmeans removign them from Mr Ratcliff’s ownership.
Posted: Thursday, August 18, 2011
Article comment by: Rose Miller
Unjustly pinpointed? Is this man nuts?? No where else other than Troy – excuse me – Miami County, Ohio – has such a complete travesty been played out. My children are following this case closely, and they said the one thing they learned on their summer vacation was that “the bad people win once in a while.” There’s obviously something fishy in Troy. And it sounds like a case of “who knows who” and who has $$.
Shameful. Totally.
Posted: Thursday, August 18, 2011
Article comment by: Christy Bellville
MR. BEAMISH, if you DO CARE about the starving parrots, you could be doing something immediately, rather than trying to take the focus from yourself/town. So I get it, let’s just keep blamng each other while the birds are now stuck in a hot pole barn, with no medical attention, no light, fans running while you can refocus your blame while doing nothing! RATCLIFF should be arrested immediately abd barred from EVER OWNING AN ANIMAL AGAIN!!!!!
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