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The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is advising parents not to bow to pressure from children because landowners and managers see the presence of owls on their land as a clear and welcome indication of a countryside that is rich in wildlife. They are concerned that a large increase in the demand for pet owls will lead to misery and suffering for these birds and also an increase in nest-raiding and damage to the environment. |
Mike Ashton, north west regional PR and Communications Adviser for the CLA said: "There's no escaping the fact that Hedwig, Harry Potter's Snowy Owl, is an attractive bird but this is real life and they belong in the countryside not in cages."
"Owls are not pets. They are birds of prey that survive by hunting live creatures such as rats and mice and are capable of inflicting horrendous injury. Even in captivity they must be fed a regular diet of these creatures which will lead to a food bill of up to £100 a month, and let's face it, most local stores don't sell rats!" |
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The CLA has already heard reports of barn owls being kept in cages designed for budgerigars. Nick Henderson, owner of the Corio Raptor Rehabilitation Centre near Lancaster, is one of the people who have to deal with the casualties.
He says: "Don't even think about having an owl as a pet. They are expensive to feed, and require constant attention. A suitable enclosure for a Snowy Owl and all the necessary equipment could cost over £1,000 and you will have to devote several hours every day to feeding and attending to the owl, which may live for up to 25 years.
"As well as being cruel, it can be financially crippling and there are stiff penalties for those who do not provide the right kind of facilities for their birds."