Animal cruelty charges filed after parakeet fed marijuana, beer
By WTAE staff
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GREENSBURG, Pennsylvania (WTAE) — A Greensburg man is facing animal cruelty charges after allegedly giving marijuana and beer to his pet parakeet daily.
“It’s definitely an odd one,” City of Greensburg Police Detective Sergeant Justin Scalzo said. “This is the first incident involving something of this nature.”
Officers were dispatched to Callaghan’s Bar on South Main Street the night of Feb. 21.
“The caller is the bartender,” the dispatcher told officers. “She says that there is a white male at the bar with a parakeet. The bird has a broken foot, and he’s telling everybody at the bar that he feeds it marijuana and makes it drink beer. Currently, the bird is in his pocket. She’s concerned for its welfare.”
“The patron was bragging to other people inside the bar that he feeds the parakeet marijuana and has it drink beer on a daily basis,” Scalzo added.
When police arrived, the bird was injured and seemed in distress.
“Its leg appeared to be broken,” Scalzo said. “Its foot was actually facing the wrong direction.”
Officers arrested the 40-year-old that night for public intoxication, according to Timothy Grace’s affidavit of probable cause.
Then, officers worked to help the parakeet. They called on Lt. Rob Jones. He volunteers at local animal shelters when not on patrol.
“He himself took the bird to a veterinarian hospital in Monroeville, where it went through treatment,” Scalzo said. “If we have a case where an animal is in distress, and we need help homing an animal, he’s our guy to go to. He, in less than 24 hours, was able to get this bird the care that it needed.”
The bird was weak, underweight, and dehydrated. It was given a splint for a broken leg and was taking three different antibiotics. The AVET Center in Monroeville provided a statement about the bird, which was named Blue Skies.
“We’re glad the parakeet, Blue Skies, was brought to us quickly so our team could evaluate him and begin treatment right away.
“At Avets, our Avian & Exotics service is overseen by board-certified specialist Dr. Jennilee Morrison, who specializes in the treatment of birds, so any injured or ill bird is in excellent hands when brought to our hospital.
“Blue Skies arrived through our Avian and Exotic Emergency Hours and was treated by on-call veterinarian Dr. Diana Mancuso. After diagnostic imaging, Dr. Mancuso confirmed a broken leg and admitted Blue Skies to the hospital for treatment and supportive care.
“During his stay, Blue Skies enjoyed observing our team as they cared for a variety of non-traditional pets within the hospital. He is currently recovering with Pearl Parrot Rescue, where their experts will ensure he is placed in a loving home when he is ready.”
Pearl Parrot Rescue confirmed to Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 that Blue Skies is recovering, but could still lose its leg.
Grace now faces charges including aggravated cruelty to animals and transporting animals in a cruel manner.
“People are caring for it,” Scalzo said. “I think the staff at the bar and the patrons that alerted police to this did the right thing. Hopefully, it’s rehomed and goes to people who will actually take care of it.”
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