A woman who had amassed more than 500 exotic birds in the backyard of her Castro Valley home has been given 30 days to get rid of all but 50 of her flock, Alameda County Sheriff’s officials reported Tuesday.
The birds were being bred and raised in the backyard, and being offered for sale on Craigslist. Neighbors had long complained about the noise, smell and the flies that were attracted to the bird droppings.
Officials were given permission to visit the home earlier Tuesday by the owner and her attorney. The inspectors included law enforcement officials, animal welfare experts and code enforcement agents.
The birds are receiving sufficient care and food, a sheriff’s official told media.
When officials arrived at the home Tuesday, they discovered the flock had been reduced by about half. The owner said she had sold or given away about 250 birds and is working to get rid of another 200 by the deadline at the end of July.
The birds were discovered when deputies investigated neighborhood complaints. Neighbors said the birds make so much noise they can’t enjoy their homes, and a large number of flies plagued them.
The Sheriff’s Department had considered confiscating the birds, but it had neither the experience with nor a place to keep that many birds. Officials decided to leave the birds in place and work out a solution that would benefit the neighborhood and the birds.
