Letter to Pass Around on Bird Theft Ring August 3, 2007
Posted by Andrew in : News , trackbackHi to all,
Two birds were stolen in Spokane, WA from two local bird stores- The Bird Shop and Bird Lovers Outlet. A recently weaned Goffins Cockatoo was stolen from one and a yellow collared macaw that was not weaned, from another. The same woman stole these birds from both stores. This woman is named Brandy and resides at 1908 W. Garland, Spokane WA. Her home phone number is (509) 891-4000. Her physical description is a Caucasian woman in her mid 30’s. She is between 5′2″ and 5′5″ and weighs around 250 lbs. She rarely works alone and was seen in one store with a Hispanic male and in the other store with an African American woman. The womans children are of mixed race varying from Caucasian to African American backgrounds. The children have been seen both with the woman and alone, enterring stores before or after their mother when not with her. Another woman named in this is named Cathy Trombinas(sp?). I do not have any other information on her. This woman returned to one of the stores and made direct inquiries as to the whereabouts of one bird claiming she had been interested in purchasing it. She asked to be placed on a list to be called when new babies came in.
A relative of Brandy’s turned her in to one of the store owners after having seen a reward posted on Craigslist. Another store also disclosed that the woman was in one of their national chain stores trying to “return” stolen bird supplies for money.
Upon arrival at this womans house, she was found trying to secret the baby Goffins from her home. It was taken by force by one of the store owners and demands were made for the other bird. The police had been called already but had not arrived.
This woman adamantly claimed the bird was hers and that she had purchased it. She then changed her story and made comment that the macaw had already been sold. She claimed she sold it in a Walmart parking lot. She also claimed to have sold an Amazon to a rescue in Post Falls to a man named Mitch. No such rescue is known to exist there, but a man named Mitch from Post Falls has frequented local stores. It is not known if he is a part of all this or not.
The woman did let one of the store owners enter her home after the Goffin had been recovered. The only cage in the house was a small parakeet sized cage. It is assumed the Goffin was kept in this.
When the police arrived, she changed her story numerous times finally admitting that she knew where the other bird was but refused to have it produced. The bird store owners both promised to not press charges if it were returned. She finally relented to have the bird brought back. She asked that the news crew present (Khq Q-6 tv) be told to leave, but luckily that was not a demand willing to be met.
Further discussion with the officers disclosed that the woman was part of a very large bird theft ring that stole birds state and areawide and sold them statewide. They would enter stores and put birds in their clothes or in a purse and walk out. The woman admitted to being a part of this ring that stole birds from Evergreen Pet Store, Petco, Petsmart and stores located all over outside of Spokane.
Help put an end to this Bird Theft Ring. Pass on this information or add more information you may know. Be aware that these people have no scruples and indications were made that birds may have been traded to settle debts that may or may not be drug related as well. These people may have even stolen birds from private parties. They must be stopped. If you have any other information, have been a victim, or know of someone who has, please contact your local authorities or feel free to let me know. Any and all help is appreciated.
Both birds recovered were dehydrated, hungry and weak, but otherwise ok. They both will have to be quarantined as it is unknown what other birds or situations they were subjected to.
Thank you and God Bless,
Tracy
Pampered Parrots Avian Rescue
a 501(c) Exotic Bird Rescue and Sanctuary
509-218-3438
pamperedparrots@msn.com
www.pamperedparrots.org
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