A reminder of how quickly we can lose our beloved fids

[Kiwibird]

Well, I'm glad the person was caught and I hope part of their sentence is mandatory mental health care, especially if it is a neighborhood kid/s. Stealing Ozzi was bad enough, killing him was worse, but torturing him is just beyond all comprehension. I don't know about in Canada, but here in the US you get in less trouble for torturing and abusing animals than you would for having a joint or stealing a candy bar. I hope Canada takes a firmer approach against violent crime (which animal abuse/torture is), and doesn't place animals below petty, non-violent crimes like our country does.

 

[labell]

As a former social worker that worked exclusively with kids I can tell you that you would be amazed at some of the atrocities committed by children. While it some times was behavior learned from the parents there were a few kids I worked with that were truly just bad, almost seemed soul-less, regardless of what the parents were like. There was one girl (she was 15) that I said would someday kill someone and then casually eat a hamburger while sitting on their back, she had absolutely no remorse and no sense of empathy for anyone! She is now in the adult system for murder.

 

[Terry57]

Sadly, the penalties here for animal abuse are not nearly strong enough. My only hope is that because they stole her, that stiffer penalties will kick in because of her monetary value. I am in no way saying that it is right that money speaks louder than abuse, but I am hoping they do time for something.

And yes, it says "boys" several times on the page. Someone mentioned they bragged at school as well about what they did. I do not understand what could make them feel like this was a fun way to spend the day, and how they thought that others would be impressed by their savagery. Thank goodness someone turned them in. I am shocked that the news has not picked up this story, but hopefully it will after the investigation is complete. Although since I think they are minors, their identities will be protected unless charged as adults.

 

[RavensGryf]

I'm so glad they were caught!! "Boys" could also mean they're in high school but not 18 (not necessarily children). I'm glad they talked. You know someone was going to turn them in that way.

As for it being on the news, hopefully, but it might not be... I'm just thinking about that considering how the majority of people (even "pet" people) sadly don't regard pet birds as any more than the sparrows on the street, what are most viewers going to think. Unless it's pointed out how people who do this have the potential to "move up" to human torture

Anyway, I'm just so relieved to hear they were caught. I just hope they don't get off any easier being that they're a minor!

 

[ruffledfeathers]

This is just heartbreaking. I cried reading it. I always pray that the victim (animal/human) has some sense of peace and as quick a death as possible, because i just can't bear the thought of what they must suffer.

I forget the details now but there was a local news case here about a week ago regarding these kids who were 6, 10 and 12 i believe who beat a cat to death with bricks. It really is heartbreaking....even for the kids because it's like some part of them is just 'broken' or soul-less. I used to cry when other kids stepped on bugs....i can't imagine torturing an animal for any reason.

edit--Actually, i just posted this a few minutes ago and i went to my facebook and i saw a Justice for Ozzi thing on my newsfeed. I am comforted by the number of people with compassion.

 

[Terry57]

Just changed my cover photo on FB to the Justice for Ozzi pic... I agree, it is comforting how many people from all over have come together to try to ease the suffering caused by this horrific act.

 

[Abigal7]

Here is a news article (warning there is a graphic image)http://www.inews880.com/2014/06/04/slave-lake-residents-want-justice-for-ozzi-the-parrot/ I am going to post justiceforozzi on my timeline. Anyways, this is all very sad. I have heard of cases like this and am even afraid to leave my dog alone in the backyard.

 

[Sterling1113]

Wow. It is relieving and terrifying to hear that they know who it was, but that they were children(at least in the eyes of the law.)

I actually read something a while ago about young boys losing their ability to feel empathy/compassion for an amount of time. Obviously this isn't all boys but the study did have some interesting points. So many things young children are doing that is just so heartless. Like the "knock out" game. Usually a group of young boys picks out a target(unexpecting, usually alone, elderly or otherwise low on defenses.) and try to KO them with one sucker punch then run away. It's really sickening.
I hope any child who goes through this 'phase' gets the counseling they need before it becomes a repeating, worsening habit. Ugh. I can't imagine.
Thank you for the updates. These 'boys' need to learn that things like that ARENT OKAY..

 

[ruffledfeathers]

Thanks Abigal7 for the link. I was looking for more information. I do hope that this family finds even the smallest comfort in knowing how deeply saddened we all are for their loss. My heart breaks for them.

 

[Terry57]

I want to thank you as well, Abigail...that had much more info than any article I had been able to find.

 

[RavensGryf]

Seeing the picture in the article really gave full impact, and brought tears to my eyes. I'm sitting here in El Pollo Loco dabbing at my eyes with a napkin

 

[Kiwibird]

That image made me sad and sick. Poor Ozzie went through something most terrible, and I am sure the loving owners who have had this beautiful, healthy looking bird 10 years are suffering so much pain right now. This situation keeps getting more awful the more information that is given. I hope this sorry excuse for a human being who did this has the book thrown at him. Most 'rebellious" 15 year olds would knock over some mailboxes or egg a house or something like that, but brazenly stealing and subsequently mutilating an innocent animal is on a whole other level of disturbed and angry. I'm glad the media picked this up. Shame minors names/mugshots can't be released for the innocent residents of the community to know who to watch their backs around.

 

[Terry57]

This is a small town and my guess is that the word is already getting out on who it is. They set up a petition asking for a harsh punishment and it is just going crazy. It is on their FB page and on mine as well for anyone who wants to sign.

 

[getwozzy]

This is a small town and my guess is that the word is already getting out on who it is. They set up a petition asking for a harsh punishment and it is just going crazy. It is on their FB page and on mine as well for anyone who wants to sign.

I have also signed and shared the petition! I think the initial goal was 1000 and right now it's at 1533 and counting!

 

[BoomBoom]

Thanks for sharing this. I'm about to publish this in Boomer's blog for more visibility. I have over 200 followers, if I can get at least a quarter of those people to read Ozzi's story, then the blog has been worth it. I signed the petition here: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/132/180/348/justice-for-ozzi/

Please do so if you can spare a minute. I think it is very important for these criminals to receive severe punishment. I only saw one picture and it was enough to make my stomach turn. A well-loved, trusting bird... I wonder what he was thinking in those last brutal moments?

 

[Sterling1113]

Thanks for sharing this. I'm about to publish this in Boomer's blog for more visibility. I have over 200 followers, if I can at least a quarter of those people to read Ozzi's story, then the blog has been worth it. I signed the petition here: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/132/180/348/justice-for-ozzi/

Please do so if you can spare a minute. I think it is very important for these criminals to receive severe punishment. I only saw one picture and it was enough to make my stomach turn. A well-loved, trusting bird... I wonder what he was thinking in those last brutal moments?

Thank you for the link. I signed for sure.
What a shame. If it was a dog, or even a child, there would be no question on the severity of the punishment that should be received. Just because their child happened to be feathered doesn't mean their love means any less.

 

[Kiwibird]

I think protecting minors identity who committed petty, non-violent crimes is probably a good thing as they are likely to shape up and become contributing members of society. I do not feel minors who commit violent crimes should be extended the same protection. A 15 year old is physically grown enough to be a threat to a community. I'm glad the word is getting out, people need to know when theres a threat. I also hope in addition to a harsh punishment for such a senseless crime, there is MANDATORY psychological treatment for this kid.

There was a neighborhood kid (a few years older than me and my friends) when I was growing up who used to catch little animals (lizards and such) then pop their heads or squish out their guts to make the girls cry. I don't think any adults took notice because these were wild critters, not pets anyone would miss. I'm pretty sure this kid never had 'tuned in' parents either. Last I heard (several years ago now), he was on trial facing the death penalty for brutally beating then murdering a guy. I can't say I was shocked. I don't remember where I heard it, but it's a very true statement- "the best indicator of future behavior is past behavior".

Kids and teens who torture and senselessly kill animals don't have a far way to go before they do the same to people. Violent antisocial behaviors don't start in adulthood, it starts as a child or adolescent and evolves. I hope the word gets this kid named, shamed and kept an extra close eye on. The parent(s) should be thoroughly investigated as well as to how and why their 15 years old son behaves in this way. There are truly 'bad apples' out there, even from very good families, but 99.9% of the time that is not the case. There's either abuse/neglect in the home and/or no parental supervision/boundaries/discipline to speak of so the child runs feral then grows up with 0 sense of right or wrong and no concept of consequences for their actions.

Sorry for the rant, but this deeply disturbs me on so many levels and touches on the subject of how so many judicial systems are FAILING at providing those in need (i.e. displaying signs of being well on their way to becoming a danger) mental health care BEFORE they hurt themselves or others- which I am personally quite passionate about.

 

[BoomBoom]

You are welcome.

To those who have blogs, social media sites, email lists, please I urge you to share them links of the article and the petition site for more visibility. I'm making it my personal mission this week to make Ozzi's story known to as many people as I can. I'm happy I stumbled across this thread.

Again, here is the link: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/132/180/348/justice-for-ozzi/

 

[Kiwibird]

Signed the petition and sent link to family and friends who understand how 'part of the family' a parrot can become.

 

[noblemacaw]

After reading about Ozzi I became heartbroken. My mind just cannot wrap around this tragic event. I took a moment to pray for the family and for Ozzi. I carry the belief that animals have a soul and are innocent. Our "pets" depend on us to care for them and to fail them is my worst nightmare.

I bet everyone that has read this thread and followed it will look at their parrot/s a little differently for that moment and love them just a little bit more. Our parrots mean so much to us. They are part of our family. They are loved. They are treasured. They are well cared for.

Ozzi will get Justice.

Edit: In the process of signing the petition it was required to include total location including full address. I am disappointed there was no secure socket layer (https) to protect my personal information. I support the petition but do not feel comfortable supplying personal information that is not protected.