Poorly dyed dove dumped in carrier outside Black Country animal sanctuary - bird flu warning issued

An animal sanctuary in the Black Country has issued a warning after a poorly dove, with dyed feathers, was abandoned in a carrier bag on its driveway.

Brockswood Animal Sanctuary in Sedgley has spoken out following the incident, urging members of the public not to bring birds onto its site amid new bird flu restrictions.

Read more: Dudley animal sanctuary announces ‘flockdown’ as bird flu restrictions hit England

The sanctuary revealed that someone had entered its premises and left the bird on the driveway while its small team was busy caring for its animal residents.

Staff were not around at the entrance to notice anyone approaching, but fortunately the sanctuary's director arrived in time to prevent cats or other wildlife from causing the dove further harm.

The director immediately took the bird to a vet.

In a statement shared with supporters, the sanctuary said:

"With mandatory housing measures in place, this also means we must enforce strict rules for any birds coming onto site.

"Yesterday we had someone come onto site and leave a very poorly dove in a carrier bag on our driveway who's feathers had been dyed.

"Our small team were out caring for our residents so were not around on the driveway at the time to notice anyone had walked up.

"Fortunately, our director got there in time to prevent any cats or wildlife causing it further harm and took it straight to the vets.

"This could have been catastrophic for our sanctuary and our bird residents had the dove been carrying anything contagious.

"We are always happy to offer advice over the phone or via messenger for anyone that has found a bird, but please DON'T bring any birds onto our site for the safety of our feathered residents.

"There are two local vets within a 2-5 minute drive from the sanctuary who can help with any wild birds found (please call them first due to avian influenza restrictions)."

The warning comes as mandatory housing measures for birds are being introduced across England from Friday, November 13, to help prevent the spread of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.

The restrictions mean sanctuaries and bird keepers must take extra precautions to protect their animals from potential infection.

Brockswood has stressed that the safety of its existing residents must come first and is asking anyone who finds an injured or poorly bird to contact the team for advice rather than bringing it directly onto the premises.

The sanctuary has also reminded the public to contact veterinary practices before visiting with wild birds because of the current bird flu restrictions.