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Budgies in captivity (symbol photo)
Photo: GEORGE NIKITIN / AP
Animal rights activists in the US state of Michigan have received a "Christmas present" that they are only happy about to a limited extent.
The son of a bird collector gave her 836 budgies, the Detroit Animal Welfare Group announced on Facebook.
The birds were kept in an “extremely unhealthy environment” and the “irresponsibility” of the owner was “outrageous”.
One day before Christmas, the son gave the animal rights activists 497 parakeets, on Sunday he brought another 339, as the animal rights activists announced. The son said the birds were kept in a single room. The owner spent 1,200 dollars (1,050 euros) on feed per month, reported the Detroit Free Press.
The budgies were caged and suffocated each other, according to the Detroit Animal Welfare Group.
"The birds were very stressed and barely moved," said Chairwoman Kelley LeBonty.
Now a total of three animal welfare associations would have to take care of the birds' welfare.
After a veterinary examination, the parakeets should be given up for adoption.
Animal rights activists pointed out that adopting a parakeet is a serious obligation because budgies can live up to 15 years.
In the United States, penalties are imposed if animal collectors do not take proper care of them.
In the present case, however, the Detroit Animal Welfare Group said it did not contact the authorities.
jso / AFP
