Archive - Saturday, 12 October 2002


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Parrot couple worried after prowler sighted

A COUPLE who run a sanctuary for parrots are on alert after their neighbours spotted a mysterious "prowler" on their property.

Julie and Den Piercy run Pampered Parrots from their home at Slingsby, near Malton, where they currently look after 35 birds.

But they have been worried since neighbours spotted a man taking pictures on their property while they were out.

Julie said: "They said he had a camcorder, which he was pointing in through the downstairs windows, looking at the parrots.

"They said he also took pictures with an ordinary camera."

The couple fear the man may have been an animal rights activist, as some pressure groups oppose keeping birds in cages.

Julie and Den started looking after parrots eight years ago. Both have experience and expertise in looking after parrots, having previously worked for the RSPCA.

The man appeared at the house last Friday in a green car, but witnesses could not give a detailed description of him.

Sergeant Mick Pounder, of Malton police, said: "Unfortunately, given the lack of detail, and crucially of a registration number for the car, there is very little we can do in this instance."

He said: "It could be innocent, but it could be something sinister, so our patrols have been briefed to keep an eye out."

Updated: 12:19 Saturday, October 12, 2002